彩虹下的约定。。。。。 Grace is sufficient

如鷹展翅上騰

2011-04-21T08:56:00.000-07:00

等候耶和华的必从新得力。。何等美丽的应许。

我的心啊，你要仰望耶和华如鹿渴慕溪水。

以赛亚书 Isaiah 12：2-3

看哪，神是我的拯救。我要倚靠他，并不惧怕。因为主耶和华是我的力量，是我的诗歌。他也成了我的拯救。

[kjv]
Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.

[bbe]
See, God is my salvation; I will have faith in the Lord, without fear: for the Lord Jah is my strength and song; and he has become my salvation.

所以你们必从救恩的泉源欢然取水。

[kjv]
Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation.

[bbe]
So with joy will you get water out of the springs of salvation.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlSwiVdbpPI&feature=related

Turning point in life

2011-03-18T23:03:00.000-07:00

Psalm 139

1 You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.
2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you, LORD, know it completely.
5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain.
7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,”
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. 14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place, when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body; all the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to me are your thoughts,

God! How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand— when I awake, I am still with you.
19 If only you, God, would slay the wicked! Away from me, you who are bloodthirsty!

20 They speak of you with evil intent; your adversaries misuse your name.

21 Do I not hate those who hate you, LORD, and abhor those who are in rebellion against you?

22 I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies.

23 Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

My heart, do not forget the goodness that God has showered in my life;
My mouth and lips, meant every word that I utter to the Lord;
My eyes, fix my gaze upon the Lord;
My hands and feet, eager to do God's work;
My mind, mayThy will be my will;
My soul, thirst for His embrace;
My whole self, submit and surrender for His use.
Awake O my soul...

Special thanks for my prayer warriors that always never fail to sooth my soul, calm my mind and restore my confident. Lord, I am grateful. Bless them abundantly.

"Heavenly Father, as Agnes prepares to possibly make major changes, continues to seek You for direction and guidance, as she keeps her eyes focussed on You and the path You want her to take, we pray You will lead her through each step of the way, giving her clear direction, calmness of spirit, clarity of thought and a peace that passes all understanding. We pray for her as she meets with Stanly Ling this coming Sunday,that this meeting will be a blessing and an encouragement to both of them regardless of the outcome. Lord, You have one excited child standing at a major junction. We thank You for her and the ministry she has in our lives and we thank You for the ministry she has in many lives now and in the future, whatever that future holds for her. We lift her up to You now - Thank You, Lord."

我的心啊，你要专心等候神

2010-12-04T21:04:00.000-08:00

【等候神】

我的心哪

你當默默無聲要專心等候神

我的救恩是從神而來

祂是我的磐石我的得勝

我的心哪

你當默默無聲要專心等候神

我的盼望是從神而來

祂是我的幫助我的榮耀

主作我的高台我必不至動搖

主是我力量和避難所

我要時時倚靠祂我要安靜等候祂

我的榮耀能力全都在乎神

“阿爸天父，求主刚强我的内心，坚固我的信心，恢复我的信念，重整我的脚步，一步一脚印地朝向您为我预备的道路。

我的心啊，你要仰赖耶和华。

我的灵啊，你要仰望耶和华。

我的眼目啊，你要定睛耶和华。

哪怕久久不见彼岸，迟迟未到达目的地，我的心啊，你深信上帝的应许。人因信而称意，那些耐心等候耶和华的有福了，上帝必大大地赐福于您！

感谢上帝聆听我的呼求，了解我的渴望。

在上帝的引领下我必飞跃风暴，扩越苦难，朝向充满朝气的明天。

阿门”

Contentment

2010-11-19T21:51:00.000-08:00

" My crown is in my heart, not on my head. Not decked with diamonds and precious stones. Not to be seen, my crown is called content. A crown that seldom kings enjoy"

Adopted from Shakespeare

Anchor of my soul

2010-11-19T19:48:00.000-08:00

Father Lord,

You are the lover and anchor of my soul.

Enable me to go Your way, walk Your path, follow Your track, take on Your journey of FAITH, HOPE and LOVE.

Habakkuk 3:19

The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.

From Your daughter

The Cross

2010-11-09T06:04:00.000-08:00

" Let us go to Calvary to learn how we may be forgiven.

And let us linger there to learn how we may forgive. "

by Charles Spurgeon

To me, cross signifies...

...Jesus' self-sacrifical act (He first loved us)

...positive sign (hope in Christ)

...cross sign (no to sins and transgressions)

...junction of life (freedom to choose)

...love our Lord with all our hearts,mind and soul (vertical dimension), love our neighbours as ourselves (horizontal dimension)

...centre of our life (balance life)

...same logo as St. John ambulance (to save)

What does it means to you?

Reveal to me

2010-11-09T05:56:00.000-08:00

Whispering to Abba Father:

"Father Lord, reveal to me Your divine purpose in my life. Let me see as You do. Give me Your divine understanding. Open my eyes and help me to receive Your revelations and stay on track."

Woman's heart

2010-11-09T05:51:00.000-08:00

Simply love this sentence.

" A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ that a man should have to seek HIM first to find her. "

Amen, Oh Lord =)

Answered prayer

2010-09-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

一份隐藏不住的美丽~~** 主对世人的爱

Received this little email from my caregroup's member... interesting isn't?

God's Blessings

I asked for strength and God gave me difficulties to make me strong.

I asked for wisdom and God gave me problems to solve.

I asked for prosperity and God gave me brawn and brains to work.

I asked for courage and God gave me dangers to overcome.

I asked for patience and God placed me in situations where I was forced to wait.

I asked for love and God gave me troubled people to help.

I asked for favors and God gave me opportunities.

I received nothing I wanted I received everything I needed.

My prayers have all been answered.

恩典之路Journey of grace and mercy

2010-08-27T07:25:00.000-07:00

诗篇 Psalms103:12
东离西有多远，他叫我们的过犯，离我们也有多远。

[kjv]
As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.

[bbe]
As far as the east is from the west, so far has he put our sins from us.

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ, I yearn to step out of my current temporal comfort zone and run towards God's everlasting embrace. I wish to be part of "1 year 1 life" if it is really in His will. I believe in prayer. Your prayer is important to me in this journey of faith with Him. I appreciate your prayer from the bottom of my heart. Thank you.

Will you spend 1 min of your precious time to pray with me and for me?

Pray that....

....God will open the right door for me

....God will make it possible if it is really in His will

....God will go before me to prepare the way

....God will reveal clear direction and guidance

....God's perfect love will cast out slightest fear and doubt in me

....God grant me fraction of Peter's faith, enable me to "walk on the water" just as Peter did. May it be one step or two

....I will find Man of Peace whenever I go

....God grant me genuine faith,love and hope

....I will rediscover His love to the world in a unique and fresh way

Above all, let my mum come to know Christ. Her salvation definitely encourage my heart, soul and mind =)

Matthew 14:22-31 Jesus Walks on the Water

22Immediately Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead of him to the other side, while he dismissed the crowd.

23After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone,

24but the boat was already a considerable distance from land, buffeted by the waves because the wind was against it.

25During the fourth watch of the night Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake.

26When the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified. "It's a ghost," they said, and cried out in fear.

27But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."

28"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied, "tell me to come to you on the water."

29"Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus.

30But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, "Lord, save me!" 31Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. "You of little faith," he said, "why did you doubt?"

祷告

2010-08-26T07:10:00.000-07:00

讚美之泉作品，曲、詞：鄭楷

禱告，因為我渺小；
禱告，因為我知道我需要明暸，你心意對我重要。

禱告，已假裝不了；

禱告，因為你的愛我需要；你關懷，我走過的你都明白。

有些事我只想要對你說，因你比任何人都愛我；

痛苦從眼中流下，我知道你為我擦。

在早晨我也要來對你說，主耶穌今天我為你活；

所需要的力量你天天賜給我，你恩典夠我用。

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

Mission~~ a joyful burden that God has been placing in my heart, mind and soul all this while. Not sure where He wants me to be, feel pretty much like Abraham at times. "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you (Gen 12:1)..." similar kind of message keep lingering in mind. (oh Lord, I don't know what is your plan in my life and I don't have to know all things in fact, all I ask for is a teachable spirit, tender heart, sensitive mind, obedient and faithful whole self in this journey of faith.)

Last sunday I finally plucked up the courage to explore "1 year 1 life" mission program with Pastor Ivan. As the name suggested 1 year 1 life means devote 1 year of your life for mission work at foreign land. We have a small discussion about mission. He encouraged me to join short term mission as a start point. Not sure how other missionaries confirmed God's calling in their lives, all I know was tears welled up in my eyes again and again once this decision was made in my heart. The feeling is like heavy weight been unloaded from shoulder, all I need to do next is allow Him to work out His wonderful plan in my life and trust Him for provision. It is a mixture feeling of "rich" in His presence and "filled" by His Spirit. I cried my heart out to God the whole morning. Suddenly I realized (thanks Holy Spirit for open up the eyes of my heart) that how strong I have been gripping on this wordly land. All this while I have been holding on to my job, graspping on my possesion, seizing my relationship, storing up for myself treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. For where our treasure is, the our hearts will be also (Matthew 6:19-21). How true and how real such verses are! Don't know since when insecurity and doubt have disguised themselves as excuses such as I still not ready yet (when exactly can someone be ready?), I am not good enough (who in this world is perfect?), I can't contribute much (no contribution is too small in God's sight,a willing heart to do His work is all He ask for), I simply don't have what it takes to be a missionary(He never calls the equipped, He equips the called), I might not secure a job upon returning from mission (He is the ultimate provider, whoever believes in Him never lack anything but He blessed His workers abundantly) etc. In the split second, like the veil that torn into pieces, I found myself stopped making excuses but accepted God's authority in my life. "I am the Lord, Your God." He whispered. My pride, my ego, my all knowing attitude, my grip on the so-called "my" life have been washed away by tears. This reminds me of a phrase that one of my CG's members shared with me - you have to pour yourself out to God in order for God to fill you in. What a beautiful anology of inside out transformation! I let go of ownership in my life and allow God to crown me with the status of God's child. I forgo my sin and accept His righteousness in my life. I give up my self-declared wisdom and receive His truth and life. Lord, I know that sanctification is a life long process, I pray that You continue guide me, hold me tight when I am at the brim of falling, when I am teetering on the edge or tossing to and forth by the waves of doubt, fear and insecurity. May Your perfect love casts out all the negative feeling that arise now and then. May I be made perfect in Your great love.

诗篇 Psalms56:8
我几次流离，你都记数。求你把我眼泪装在你的皮袋里。这不都记在你册子上吗？

[kjv]
Thou tellest my wanderings: put thou my tears into thy bottle: are they not in thy book?
[bbe]
You have seen my wanderings; put the drops from my eyes into your bottle; are they not in your record?

My little whispering to Abba Father:

Father lord, may this fraction of faith of mine be pleasing and acceptable at Your sight. Oh Lord, I am not hoping for only 1 year in my life time to be in Your field but many 1 year to come. If it is really in Your will, do not withold your divine appointment any longer. May You go before me to make all the preparation. All I need to do is to be like Abraham, be still, wait upon You and be obedient. May You continue to grant me an obedient heart to serve You all of my life. Thank you for first loved us. I ask this in Your precious name. Amen.

Do you really know？

2010-08-18T05:47:00.000-07:00

马太福音 Matthew 5:37

你们的话，是，就说是，不是，就说不是。若再多说，就是出于那恶者。（或作是从恶里出来的）

[kjv]
But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.

[bbe]
But let your words be simply, Yes or No: and whatever is more than these is of the Evil One.

Bible is full of paradox, so as life. There is a very thin line between

... humility or low self-esteem;

... honesty or pride;

... complement or teasing;

... when to help that person or when to leave room of growth for that person;

... punishment out of love or withheld punishment because of love

... laughing with you or laughing at you;

... when to say no and when to say yes;

... and etc, just to name few.

Many times I am not firm enough to know by heart that

... Jesus loves me for who I am and not because of what I have done. Nothing that I have done can make Him loves me less or more

... Jesus first loves me and I ought to love others

... Jesus forgave my sins and I ought to do the same to others

... Jesus' love is unconditional and unchangeable, it remains the same today, yesterday and tomorrow

... Jesus is the ultimate judge of all circumstances

... Jesus is the best listener

... Jesus is the healer

... Jesus is the provider

... Jesus is the lover of my heart

... Jesus is my help in time of troubles

... Jesus is at work even though sometimes we might not see the outcome immediately

... Jesus does not show favouritism, I am not any better than others

... Jesus does not look at outward appearance but inward sincerity

... Jesus will never leave me or forsake me

... Jesus has a perfect plan for me

Sometimes I thought I really know but the truth is it is impossible for me to know...I thought

... Jesus wants me to do this

... Jesus wants me to accomplish that

... Jesus wants me to build "my" church....(the truth is all churches belong to Him)

... Jesus wants me to go that way

... I know Jesus' plan in my life

... it is His will but the truth is it is more of my own wishful will

Whisperig to Abba Father ( I sound like psalmist in the book of psalm...hahhahahha)

Father Lord, may You grant me consistency and persistency in prayer. May it big or small matters, help me oh Lord, help me to start everything by fervently and humbly asking Your opinion. Help me to be still, patient and wait upon You. Transform me to be Mary instead of Martha. I yearn to just sit under Your feet, fix my gaze on You and learn Your truth. Do not allow my heart to grow fade and my spirit to grow weary. Grant me joy and peace in walking in Your will. Enable me to do Your will. Grant me sensivity towards Your guidance and direction. Bestow greater wisdom and discernment in me for the expansion of Your Kingdom. Use me oh Lord, transform me to be Your instrument of Love. Help me to be more and more Christ-like. Make me salt and light of the world. Bless me abundantly so that I can extend the same blessing to the people surround me. Grant me greater endurance and discipline to perservere and stay faithful till the very end. Help me to be real and honest in front of You. Help me to see my worth and value in You. Set me apart from the bondage and enticement of the world. Help me to be pure. Send in more helpers and people to encourage me in this journey of faith. Allow me to feel Your warm embrace in my darkest hours. Help me to be who You want me to be.

~~Worth pondering~

2010-08-17T07:56:00.000-07:00

Recently my caregroup member lend me a book title " Revolution in world missions" by Dr K.P. Yohannan, founder and international director of Gospel for Asia. This book really stirred me in a unique and special way. Below is some of points I resonate well:

1) For Christians that get burned out....It is a privilege

... "I am not in any trouble," He (God) chided, " that I need someone to beg for Me or help Me out. I made no promises that I will not keep. It is not the largeness of the work that matters, ut only doing what I command. All I ask of you is that you be a servant. For all who join with you in the work, it will be a privilge - a light burden for them."

2) For Christians that walk in His will...An encouraging word

...The only way I escaped several disastrous decision was my stubborn refusal to compromise the vision God had given. It something fit in with what God had said to me, then I considered it. If not - no matter how attractive it appeared - I refused. The secret of following God's will, I discovered, usually is wrapped up in rejecting the good for God's best.

One piece of advice did stick, however. Every Christian leader should have this engraved in his subconscious: No matter what you do, never take yourself too seriously. Paul Smith, founder of Bible Translations on Tape, was the first executive to say that to me, and I think it is one of the best single fragments of wisdom have received from anyone.

God always chooses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise. He shows His might only on the behalf of those who trust in Him. Humility is the place where all Christian service begins.

3) For churches that simply go through the motion... An awaking call

...Only when we are emptied of our own self-sufficiency can God use us. When a church or a mission board spends more time in consultation, planning and committee meetings than in prayer, it is a clear indication the members have lost touch with the supernatural and have ended up, in Watchman Nee's words," serving the house of God and forgot the Lord Himself."

Churches need to develop the quiet disciplines they have lost - practices such as contemplation, fasting, listening, meditation, prayer, silence, Scripture memory, submission and reflection.

to be continued...I am only half way through the book ^.^

Little prayer for missionary in the world:

Father Lord, I pray that every single missonary seed that you have laid will fall in the right soil. May Your mighty hand continue to cover and shelter them with Your everlasting blessings and goodness. May Your anointment fall on them daily. Help them to live lives by leaning on Your grace and mercy. May You set their hearts free and light, may they sing of your praises all day long.

In time of persecution, preserve them;

in time of hardship, set them free;

in time of disappointment, encourage them;

in time of spiritual dryness, nourish them;

in time of fear, assure them;

in time of conflict, help them to resolve;

in time of need, provide them;

in time of hurt, heal them;

in time of sad, console them;

in time of sick, restore them;

in all times hold them in Your safety palm.

I commit this humble request of mine in Your mighty name. May it be pleasing in Your eyes.

Psalm 23:6
Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Run with perseverance

2010-08-14T08:00:00.000-07:00

Stress is like acid that invades lives and corrodes souls. It comes in many forms and affects people from all walks of life. According to dictionary.com, stress defines as physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension. In other words, it can affect us both internally and externally (inside out). It can eat us up bit by bit or sometimes swallow us alive if we are not careful in handling stress.

I realized I am not good in managing stress in life. -_-'' Whenever I feel overwhelmed or choked by life, the first response is run away. Run to a place that I believe can set me free.

Recently I have been thinking of running away from where I am right now. Life is way too hectic and busy or I am too slow to catch up? Oh Lord, I don't wish to see myself leading such a taxing life 5 years down the road. It is frustrating to know that I need to slow down the pace of my life yet I am unable to do so. It is disappointing to know that I need to pray more yet my body is fighting for more rest. It is irritating to always think that I would prefer God's work yet I am still at where I am right now. It is hurting to live in future and neglect God's best in my life right now. Father Lord, it is uncomfortable to always live with the "already and not yet" feeling that shadow my life. I thought I "already" ready for Your work yet it is "not yet" happening. Father, may You help me to find joy and strength in the place that You have prepared for me right now. Help me to find complete rest and perfect peace in You. My soul yearn and long for Your refreshing and personal touch. May Your love submerges me daily. Whenever stress is over my head,may I run...not aimlessly running away but run to You and You alone. Equip me oh Lord, gear me with perseverance and help me put on the garment of patience, love and hope.

Thank you Oh Lord, thank you for Your firm embrace of grace and warm grip of mercy. Thank you for promising that You will never let me go. Thank you for saying that You will never leave me or forsake me. Thank you for Your ever present outstretched arm in all seasons of life.

感谢主在“波涛汹涌”的生活中为我的心打造一片净土。阿门。

希伯来书 Hebrews12:1-2

我们既有这许多的见证人，如同云彩围着我们，就当放下各样的重担，脱去容易缠累我们的罪，存心忍耐，奔那摆在我们前头的路程，

[kjv]
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

[bbe]
For this reason, as we are circled by so great a cloud of witnesses, putting off every weight, and the sin into which we come so readily, let us keep on running in the way which is marked out for us,

12:2
仰望为我们信心创始成终的耶稣。（或作仰望那将真道创始成终的耶稣）他因那摆在前面的喜乐，就轻看羞辱，忍受了十字架的苦难，便坐在神宝座的右边。

[kjv]
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

[bbe]
Having our eyes fixed on Jesus, the guide and end of our faith, who went through the pains of the cross, not caring for the shame, because of the joy which was before him, and who has now taken his place at the right hand of God's seat of power.

用心去听

2010-07-27T06:36:00.000-07:00

“Open the eyes of my heart, Lord

Open the eyes of my heart

I want to see You

I want to see You ...." by Michael W. Smith

最近无意中察觉用心去聆听天父的话语比用朵听，用眼睛看来得格外的清晰。

那种出奇的敏锐力就好比盲人过人的触觉能力。他们虽然没有办法用眼睛去看世界却能凭着触觉去感受周遭的一景一物。他们用心所“看”到的往往比常人来得简单，快乐。值得一提的是一位卖纸巾的大姐，她虽然双眼失明对主的热忱却一刻都不曾间断过。每一包纸巾背后都贴上了天父上帝留给世人的话语。简单的小纸条，没有华丽的包装及点缀却有着满满的期盼和爱心。在对的时间，适当的季节，这大有潜力的福音种子必在有福的人心中开花结果。我们一起为这美好的事奉祷告吧! 愿主的平安喜乐常满她心。

很奇妙对吧！只要用心去领受，天父窝心的叮咛无时无刻都围绕着我们。。。天父一直都住在我们心里。愿大家都能像马利亚一样，一心一意地屈膝在天父脚下一一地数算天父奇妙的恩典 =）

罗马书 Romans 5:5
盼望不至于羞耻，因为所赐给我们的圣灵将神的爱浇灌在我们心里。

[kjv]
And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.

[bbe]
And hope does not put to shame; because our hearts are full of the love of God through the Holy Spirit which is given to us.

父母心，孩子情

2010-07-11T03:50:00.001-07:00

好久没有更新“部落格”了，现在打起键盘总是东歪西卡的，好不自在哦。都怪自己惰性难改，每每灵感来了却又挪不出时间来好好的把天父赐给我的感想，感触记载下来。（慈悲爱我们的天父啊，感谢你先爱我们，感谢您大有能力的作为，感谢您源源不断地的构思，感谢您不断地赐予我新灵感，新体验。求主继续大大地使用我这个器皿，愿您的大能张显无遗，福音能过一直传承自到地极。求主继续赐给我一颗爱人灵魂的心。阿门。）

最近不晓得是接触孩子多还是朋友之间常递来有关孩子的讯息，每每看到迎面而来的孩子都会感触良多，心中百般滋味涌上心头。一时会为新生命的降临而感到兴奋不已；一时又会为胎死腹中的例子感触良多。日光之下让人百思不得其解的遗憾事项比比皆是，同样地感人肺腑赚人热泪的欣喜事件也数之不尽。

约伯记 Job 1:21

说，我赤身出于母胎，也必赤身归回。赏赐的是耶和华，收取的也是耶和华。耶和华的名是应当称颂的。

[kjv]
And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.
[bbe]
With nothing I came out of my mother's body, and with nothing I will go back there; the Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; let the Lord's name be praised

传道书Ecclesiastes

3:1

凡事都有定期，天下万务都有定时。

[kjv]
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
[bbe]
For everything there is a fixed time, and a time for every business under the sun.

生有时，死有时。栽种有时，拔出所栽种的，也有时。

[kjv]
A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
[bbe]
A time for birth and a time for death; a time for planting and a time for uprooting;

3:3

杀戮有时，医治有时。拆毁有时，建造有时。

[kjv]
A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
[bbe]
A time to put to death and a time to make well; a time for pulling down and a time for building up;

3:4

哭有时，笑有时。哀恸有时，跳舞有时。

[kjv]
A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
[bbe]
A time for weeping and a time for laughing; a time for sorrow and a time for dancing;

3:5

抛掷石头有时，堆聚石头有时。怀抱有时，不怀抱有时。

[kjv]
A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
[bbe]
A time to take stones away and a time to get stones together; a time for kissing and a time to keep from kissing;

3:6

寻找有时，失落有时。保守有时，舍弃有时。

[kjv]
A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
[bbe]
A time for search and a time for loss; a time to keep and a time to give away;

3:7

撕裂有时，缝补有时。静默有时，言语有时。

[kjv]
A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
[bbe]
A time for undoing and a time for stitching; a time for keeping quiet and a time for talk;

3:8

喜爱有时，恨恶有时。争战有时，和好有时。

[kjv]
A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
[bbe]
A time for love and a time for hate; a time for war and a time for peace.

多么震撼人心，一针见血的教诲啊！口头上虽然清楚也亲口说知道这些都是人世间的定律，当悲伤困苦来临时却又会活生生地被那混淆的情绪给吞噬了。（求主加倍的怜悯，怜惜那些非得面临生活大考验的羊群啊！我们不分你我，身份地位都犹如路加福音里所提到的税吏般在神的面前我们连举目望天的勇气也没有，只能一味地捶着胸说，“神阿，开恩可怜我这个罪人。”在神的眼里，罪无大小之分，触犯了一条戒律就等于触犯了所有。谁又会比谁来正直，谁又有资格评论他人的不是呢？大家都是带罪来到世上的罪人。神打从一开始就知道我们不管多努力多用心都无法洁净自己的罪所以耶稣基督才会为世人洒下保血好让我们能在神的面前称义。神用心良苦的心思我们真的要牢牢地记住啊！）

孩子们的人生旅程就像一张还未被涂写的白纸。爸爸妈妈，哥哥姐姐，阿姨叔叔们做什么他们就跟着做什么。还未有分辨对错能力的他们，哪怕是坏事，只要长辈门常在他们面前“示范”，他们就会以为那是对的，凡是都那么处理，有样学样。身为人父人母的人啊，我不禁要再三呼吁你们要跟随天父的教导，灌输真理，树立好榜样给孩子。为人子女的也要懂得饮水思源，常常感恩，时时孝顺，别让年迈的父母亲们伤痛了心。他们给予你的不只是生命，他们也为你们献上了自己的生命。多少个通宵挨夜，彻夜不眠的晚上就是为了要照顾生病的孩子；多少的苦心多少的忧心盼的就是要孩子们能成龙成凤。如此不问回报的付出难道就不值得孩子们下半生的虚寒问暖吗？要反思，要反思啊！

Part 2 - Who Am I?

2010-07-03T02:55:00.000-07:00

Who Am I by Casting Crowns

Who am I?

That the Lord of all the earth,

Would care to know my name,

Would care to feel my hurt.

Who am I?

That the bright and morning star,

Would choose to light the way,

For my ever wandering heart.

Not because of who I am,

But because of what you've done.

Not because of what I've done,

But because of who you are.

I am a flower quickly fading,

Here today and gone tomorrow,

A wave tossed in the ocean,

A vapor in the wind.

Still you hear me when I'm calling,

Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,

And you've told me who I am.

I am yours.I am yours.

Who am I?

That the eyes that see my sin

Would look on me with love

And watch me rise again.

Who am I?

That the voice that calmed the sea,

Would call out through the rain,

And calm the storm in me.

Not because of who I am,

But because of what you've done.

Not because of what I've done,

But because of who you are.

I am a flower quickly fading,

Here today and gone tomorrow,

A wave tossed in the ocean,

A vapor in the wind.

Still you hear me when I'm calling,

Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,

And you've told me who I am.

I am yours.

Not because of who I am,

But because of what you've done.

Not because of what I've done,

But because of who you are.

I am a flower quickly fading,

ere today and gone tomorrow,

A wave tossed in the ocean,

A vapor in the wind.

Still you hear me when I'm calling,

Lord, you catch me when I'm falling,

And you've told me who I am.

I am yours.I am yours.I am yours.

Whom shall I fear

I am yours..I am yours..

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

Part 1: When less is more

2010-05-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

Just back from silent retreat at Good Shepherd Oasis, Singapore. As the name suggested, it was a silent retreat between me and God. I was not supposed to talk to others except to God and the spiritual director. Each day the spiritual director will pay an hour visit to me during the morning to guide and direct my thought for the day. Little did I expect it is so difficult to unwind and detach myself from the computer and handphone world that I used to live in. It was hilarious to see how much things I have packed for the 3-day stay. The simple furniture and setting gave my overloaded luggage an even more obvious contrast. As I unpacked my luggage, God reminded me of Matthew 11:30 "For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." What a beautiful reminder indeed! With or without our knowledge, in our strive to excel in life we have added additional and unwanted yoke on our shoulders. More often than not, instead of fulfilling our "need" we wear ourselves out just to satisfy our "want". We set high tone for our living standards. In our quest for better life, we slog through life daily. How ironic isn't? What are the extra luggages and baggages in life that God want to unload from you?

Could it be branded clothes?

Could it be material gain?

Could it be bottomless greed?

Could it be addiction?

Could it be bad eating habits?

Could it be negative thinking?

Could it be round-the-clock working hours?

Could it be endless deadlines?

Could it be busyness in life?

Could it be lack of self-control?

The list will go on and on...

Whatever the distraction may be, I pray that God will grant you peace and courage to lay it bare in front of God. Let go and let God to take control of the situation. It is comforting to know that it is His desire for us to live a simple, joyful and fullfilling life. Come to think of it, if we live a simple life as intended by Jesus, we don't have to worry about what clothes to wear,what food to eat (c.f. Matthew 6:25-34). Afterall, who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? (Matthew 6:27)

It reminds me of the story of Martha and Mary too (Luke 10:38-42). In this attention demanding world, we can easily become Martha if we are not careful with our time management. Work, church activities, outings, family commitment, habitual activities so on and so forth can occupy most of our time and sap all our energy. Father Lord, I pray that you continue to use Your Holy Spirit to illuminate our spiritual direction. Help us oh Lord, help us to be good stewards of time. We long to be like Mary, sitting quietly under your feet hunger for every single word that coming out of Your mouth.

The same applies for prayer to God. I am not good in doing lengthy and details prayer. I still remembered the first time I did my prayer in front of the care group I can hardly come out with any words. In fact, many times I feel intimidated and even embarrassed to say prayer in the group. Sometimes I even feel guilty not being able to return the same amount of blessing that I received from my prayer partner. Do not get me wrong, I am not against people that are very good and fluent in prayer. There is nothing wrong with that. It is such a blessing to be able to cover every single details during the prayer session. I just wish to encourage whoever that is like me, who stammers during prayer. There is NOTHING TO BE ASHAMED OF. Over time I have learned that so long as our prayers originate from a pure heart, good conscience and sincere faith it is sufficient regardless of the amount of words that we use to illustrate our point. In fact, the danger of prayer is we say what we do not mean. Or we simply do not have any feeling towards the words that we say. Words can be many but it can be meaningless too. Father, I pray that You continue to set a seal and guard over my mouth, filter and help me to speak only Your truth. May my mouth only speak words of wisdom; the utterance from my heart will give understanding (psalm 49:3). Father, may Your living word continue to flood my heart. Preserve all the good stored up in my heart (Luke 6:45). May I speak of Your sweetness and frangrant everyday of my life.

These gentle reminders help me to have a better appreciation of what it means to be less is more. May the verses bless everyone of you as much as they have blessed my heart:

1) 传道书 Ecclesiastes 5:2-3
你在神面前不可冒失开口，也不可心急发言。因为神在天上，你在地下，所以你的言语要寡少。
[kjv]
Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter any thing before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.
[bbe]
Be not unwise with your mouth, and let not your heart be quick to say anything before God, because God is in heaven and you are on the earth--so let not the number of your words be great.

事务多，就令人作梦，言语多，就显出愚昧。
[kjv]
For a dream cometh through the multitude of business; and a fool's voice is known by multitude of words.

[bbe]
As a dream comes from much business, so the voice of a foolish man comes with words in great number.number.

2) 传道书 Ecclesiastes 6: 11

加增虚浮的事既多，这与人有什么益处呢？
[kjv]
Seeing there be many things that increase vanity, what is man the better?
[bbe]
There are words without number for increasing what is to no purpose, but what is man profited by them?

3) 箴言 Proverbs 25:16
你得了蜜吗？只可吃够而已。恐怕你过饱就呕吐出来。
[kjv]
Hast thou found honey? eat so much as is sufficient for thee, lest thou be filled therewith, and vomit it.
[bbe]
If you have honey, take only as much as is enough for you; for fear that, being full of it, you may not be able to keep it down.

4) 箴言 Proverbs 26:20

火缺了柴，就必熄灭。无人传舌，争竞便止息。
[kjv]
Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth.
[bbe]
Without wood, the fire goes out; and where there is no secret talk, argument is ended.

5) 约翰福音 John 3:30

他必兴旺，我必衰微。
[kjv]
He must increase, but I must decrease.
[bbe]
He has to become greater while I become less.

6) 路加福音 Luke 15:7
我告诉你们，一个罪人悔改，在天上也要这样为他欢喜，较比为九十九个不用悔改的义人，欢喜更大。
[kjv]
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
[bbe]
I say to you that even so there will be more joy in heaven when one sinner is turned away from his wrongdoing, than for ninety-nine good men, who have no need of a change of heart.

7) 路加福音 Luke 21:3
就说，我实在告诉你们。这穷寡妇，所投的比众人还多。
[kjv]
And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:
[bbe]
And he said, Truly I say to you, This poor widow has given more than all of them:

Enclosed is the link for the photos that I have taken during the retreat. I am so amazed by His out of the world creation. I can only stand in awe... Enjoy!

http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?id=576088539&aid=169961

母亲节快乐

2010-05-08T23:42:00.000-07:00

今天是一年一度的母亲节。教会精心地定购了一些小蛋糕送给每位曾经怀胎十月的伟大妈妈们。她们会心地微笑似乎表明了她们所付出的一切都是值得的。心中也为这些劳苦功高的母亲们感到雀跃万分。空中弥漫的温馨气息久久不能散去。值得一提的是何牧师大胆及感人的要求--他要求所有为人子女的原地下跪一分钟以为各自的母亲祷告及祈福。在众目睽睽下下跪为母亲祷告还真是第一次。心中滋味万分，内心切切地哀求阿爸天父格外开恩张开母亲心灵的慧眼好让她也能认识主。据我所知，牧师的母亲也还未信主。他内心的着急，连日的等待，时时的盼望，可想而知是何等的折腾。父啊耶稣，求主纪念到他虔诚的事奉，无私的付出，让养他育他的母亲能够在您预定的时间内认识你。愿主美好的作为大大地鼓励及安慰这位牧羊者啊！我们把这期盼完完全全地交托仰望主，一位全能及充满怜悯的真神，阿们。哪怕愿望没能在我们的国度里完成又或者事与愿违，求主继续保守及建立孩子的信心，无怨无悔地侍奉主耶稣。你的恩典，你的作为足以让我们够用一身。

诗篇 Psalms 139:13-14

我的肺腑是你所造的。我在母腹中，你已覆庇我。
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb.
My flesh was made by you, and my parts joined together in my mother's body.

我要称谢你，因我受造，奇妙可畏。你的作为奇妙，这是我心深知道的。
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.

彩虹下的约定

2010-04-25T04:59:00.000-07:00

[彩虹下的约定]

我空虚的心灵

终于不再流泪

期待着雨后

缤纷的彩虹

诉说你我的约定

我不安的脚步

终于可以停歇

主你已为我

摆设了生命的盛宴

与你有约

是永恒的约

彩虹为证

千古不变

我要高歌

为生命喜悦

万物歌颂你的慈爱

大地诉说你的恩典

我空虚的心灵

终于不再流泪

期待着雨后

缤纷的彩虹

诉说你我的约定

我不安的脚步

终于可以停歇

主你已为我

摆设了生命的盛宴

与你有约

是永恒的约

彩虹为证

千古不变

我要高歌

为生命喜悦

万物歌颂你的慈爱

大地诉说你的恩典

与你有约

是永恒的约

彩虹为证

千古不变

我要高歌

为生命喜悦

万物歌颂你的慈爱

大地诉说你的恩典

万物歌颂你的慈爱

大地诉说你的恩典

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aOdHpqy_07Q

父啊，谢谢你再次透过歌曲提醒你我的约定，一个不变的约定。

我感激，感动，感触，感谢，感恩。

感激你对我不离不弃；

感动你为我预备好的一切；

感触人生无常而你依然掌管万物；

感谢你先爱我；

感恩你一直与我同在。

洁净我身，我心，我灵

2010-04-04T06:59:00.000-07:00

一年一度的复活节如潮水般如期到来，万物依旧，回顾过去一年我心是否随着时光的流逝变得更亲近，更靠近，更像主？还是无情的岁月在我毫无察觉下一分一秒地削减我对主的热忱，对主的钟爱？

说来惭愧，忙忙碌碌的生活又或许应该说是“盲盲”碌碌的生活逐一地把主排挤在心房外。就连静心坐下来反思这个重要课题也没有时间。感谢主的仁慈厚爱，牧师今天及时地提醒，圣灵的感应似乎唤醒了我沉睡一时的心灵。我心是如何切切地需要被主日日更新，时时滋润。以下是牧师今天的教导，希望神的话语如及时地甘露般降落在每个干旱的心田。

Sermon Notes by Pastor Jew Yun Shern

From Guilt to Grace to Glory (Luke 24:36-49)

Jesus is Risen!

1. Guilt is met by Grace (v.36)

- Our past does not hold our future captive.

- By God's grace, we are saved through faith in Jesus.

- We are forgiven, cleansed and restored.

2. Humdrum becomes Holy (vv.37-43)

- Ordinary things in our lives become extraordinary when we learn to see Christ's presence more and more

3. Vision turns into Mission (vv.44-49)

- We have a reason to live... and power to do so!

- The Holy Spirit empowers us for godly living and effective witness, to bring glory to God.

Response:

Our Lord lives! Perhaps it's time for you to start living - really living- again?

听后感言：

我不禁俯首落泪，淡然认错。曾几何时生活的种种变得如此贫乏无味，平凡的日子也逐渐地黯然失色？我每天是否忘了由衷的感恩？感谢主赐给我全新的每一天？感谢主创造宇宙万物？我是否倚靠着自己的力量去行事多过于交托仰望主？我对主的信心有否跟着岁月而逐日增长？我是否忘了主是我的力量，我的喜悦，我的勇气？

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

The REAL pastor

2010-02-27T06:35:00.000-08:00

Happened to read this realistic perspective on pastoring by Charles Jefferson. How true yet how difficult to do it:

"The shepherd's work is a humble work; such it has been from the beginning and such it must be to the end. A man must come down to do it. A shepherd cannot shine. He cannot cut a figure. His work must be done in obscurity. The things which he does do not make interesting copy. His work calls for continuous self-effacement. It is a form of service which eats up a man's life. It makes a man old before his time. Every good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. If a man is dependent on the applause of the crowd, he ought never enter the ministry. The finest things a minister does are done out of sight, and never get reported. They are known to himself and one or two others, and to God. His joy is not that his success is being talked about on earth, but that his name is written in heaven. The shepherd in the East has no crowd to admire him. He lived alone with the sheep and the stars. His satisfactions were from within. The messengers of Christ must not expect bands of music to attend them on their way. Theirs is a humble, unpretentious, and often time unnoticed labor, but if it builds souls in righteousness it is more lasting than a stars. "

An anonymous writer vividly captured the essence of pastoral stewardship before the Lord with the following exhortation to do God's work God's way according to God's Word:

'Stick with your work. Do not flinch because the lion roars; do not stop to stone the devil's dogs; do not fool away your time chasing the devil's rabbits. Do your work. Let liars lie, let sectarians quarrel, let critics malign, let enemies accuse, let the devil do his worst; but see to it nothing hinders you from fulfilling with joy the work God has given you."

Keep at your work. Let your aim be as steady as a star. You may be assaulted, wronged, insulted, slandered, wounded and rejected, misunderstood, or assigned impure motives; you may be abused by foes, forsaken by friends, and despised and rejected of men. But see to it with steadfast determination, with unfaltering zeal, that you pursue the great purpose of your life and object of your being until at last you can say," I have finished the work which Thou gavest me to do."

My little whispering to Abba Father:

Father, though it is extremely difficult to renounce my worldly view of pride and fame, I pray that You continue carve in me a shepherd heart, a shepherd mind and a sherpherd soul according to Your will in Your time. Help me not only be a listener but a doer of Your Word. (Luke 1:37 For nothing is impossible with God.) I pray that You continue keep the fires of religious life burning brightly in my heart and in the inmost core of my being. May I continue draw enlargement of heart, elevation of Spirt and adoring delight in You - the Maker and Savior. I believe strongly believe every soul seeking God honestly and earnestly find Him, and, in finding Him, finds the way to Him. Amen!

全然为你

2010-02-22T04:23:00.000-08:00

你是否有尝试过或正处于梦幻破灭，进退两难，人生低潮，连呼吸也会让你想要哭泣，欲罢不能的状况？愿这小小则的散文在圣灵的陶冶及上帝话语的洁净下发挥舒缓及疗伤的作用。这心意是奉靠耶稣基督得胜的名所求。

原以为上帝终于听见我多年苦苦的祷告在祂美好的安排及圣灵的撮合下，我们相遇了。

* 原以为有着共同的嗜好是默契，却万万没想到这也包括了争吵。。。
* 原以为大家的差异有着互补的作用，没想到那是个无法弥补的缺。。。
* 原以为情侣之间应该坦诚相待，原来接受需要更大的勇气。。。
* 原以为争吵斗嘴是情趣，原来言语的伤害早已扩越了底线。。。
* 原以为他处事稳重，没想到感情线上他一窍不通。。。
* 原以为冷战是不甘示弱的过渡期，没想到也是感情冷冻的开始。。。
* 原以为他就是梦寐以求可以共同厮守的另一半，原来是单程恋爱。。。
* 原以为他会爱我一生一世，他却移情别恋了。。。
* 原以为他会一直守护照顾我至到年华老去，他却在还没正式行道别礼就与世长辞了。。。
* 原以为他强壮如牛，索命的病魔却偏偏缠上他。。。

面对如此无奈的局面，有谁会舍得放手？放手的杀那，有谁又能够强忍着泪水？
肉眼上看来是如此美好，充满瞳景的美事不是每个人都能如愿以偿。人生无常，伤心事十之八九，分别在于你是从自己或是上帝的角度来看事物。我们对上帝的信任及信心又有多大？我们是否选择怨天尤人又或者是坦然面对？我们能否凡事感恩谢主？

哥林多后书 2 Corinthians 5:7
因我们行事为人，是凭着信心，不是凭着眼见。
For we walk by faith, not by sight

虽然表面上看来美好的事就像琳琅满目，包装华丽，颜色诱人，
看了叫了垂涎欲滴的甜食。。。（魔鬼的试探不也是如此？）

是孩子们梦寐以求，渴望拥有越多越好的诱惑品。。。

只有天父晓得吃多了会坏肚子，会蛀牙，会对身体不好。。。

所以哪怕你哭着哀求，哪怕你会怨恨天父，祂也会把“它”从你手中夺走

从而把更好的献给你。祂知道，祂也晓得什么是最好的礼物。祂这样做也

是全然为你。。。阿门！

路加福音Luke

11:11
你们中间作父亲的，谁有儿子求饼，反给他石头呢？求鱼，反拿蛇当鱼给他呢？
If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent?

11:12
求鸡蛋，反给他蝎子呢？
Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?

11:13
你们虽然不好，尚且知道拿好东西给儿女。何况天父，岂不更将圣灵给求他的人吗？
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

信心的路

2010-02-20T18:51:00.000-08:00

能否自由地在辽阔的天空中漫游往往在于你是否有展翅的勇气。。。

要到达终点，今天就要起程。。。

“马太福音14：27-31 “耶穌連忙對他們說、你們放心．

是我、不要怕。。。耶穌趕緊伸手拉住他、說、

你這小信的人哪、為甚麼疑惑呢。”

“以賽亚书40:29-31
疲乏的、他賜能力．軟弱的、他加力量．
就是少年人也要疲乏困倦、強壯的也必全然跌倒．
但那等候耶和華的、必從新得力、他們必如鷹展翅上騰、

他們奔跑卻不困倦、行走卻不疲乏。”

套用一行我曾经听过却忘了歌名的歌曲。

“想到达明天，今天就要起程。。。”可不是吗？如果今天不深呼吸，鼓起勇气，挺起胸膛踏出那第一步，一切依然照旧，生命不会因你的懦弱而有所更改和突破。每当困难重重，思绪复杂，前途茫茫，信心渺小，自卑懦弱的时候，我都会不断地提醒自己神是信实刚强永不食言的上帝。祂从新约到旧约一而再，再而三地应许会与我们同在（創世记21：22；48：21；出埃及记 3：21；撒母耳记上10：7；历代志上 28：20；历代志下13：12；诗篇 46：7；46：11；以賽亚书8：10；45：14；西番雅书3：17；马太福音19：26；马可福音10：27；启示录21：3）。

很高兴能够跟大家分享一首激励我心，坚强我灵，感动我思绪的一首歌 =）懂我者是耶稣基督也。祂知道每每我在赶报告，忙考试时都会压力及变得懦弱无比。哪怕是简单，没想像中难的事都会顿然变得如此的艰辛，如此的难行。感觉就像处在高山深海中，迷失方向，惊慌失措。很难想象平时信心满满的我也会如此不堪一击吧？人性难逃啊！我也是凡人一个，很平凡的那种 ^.^ 哪怕前方看起来好像毫无去路，毫无方向并且困难汹涌而至，唯一让我站得住脚的是永久不变的事实- 耶稣爱我，很爱很爱我。因为主，我有信心去走这条信心的路。愿神的话语，圣灵的感动及同工的勉励一直与大家同在直到永远。阿门。

哥林多后书 2 Corinthians 5：6-9

5:6
所以我們時常坦然無懼、並且曉得我們住在身內便與主相離。
Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord:
So, then, we are ever without fear, and though conscious that while we are in the body we are away from the Lord,

5:7
因我們行事為人、是憑著信心、不是憑著眼見。
(For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
(For we are walking by faith, not by seeing,)

5:8
我們坦然無懼、是更願意離開身體與主同住。
We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
We are without fear, desiring to be free from the body, and to be with the Lord.

5:9
所以無論是住在身內、離開身外、我們立了志向、要得主的喜悅。
Therefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
For this reason we make it our purpose, in the body or away from it, to be well-pleasing to him.

凡事都能做

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHsNICSwuzA&feature=PlayList&p=E326C18BD656F0E7&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=38

专辑：深触我心
歌手：赞美之泉

信是未曾看见依然仰望十架
信是完全交托深知主已掌权
我靠着那加给我力量的凡事都能做
或风浪或低谷主平安在我心
我靠着那加给我力量的凡事都能做
行在主的旨意我凡事都能做

The work of potter's hands

2010-01-13T08:31:00.000-08:00

In the hand of the Potter, all the natural creation exhibit its supernatural beauty. It reminds me of some of the paradox that spread throughout the Bible. May it bless you the same way it does to me. =)

Matthew 5
The Beatitudes 1Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him,

2and he began to teach them saying:

3"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
5Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
6Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

8Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

9Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

10Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

12Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Matthew 19:30

30But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.

Matthew 23:12
12For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Proverbs 13:7

7 One man pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

Ecclesiastes 5:10
10 Whoever loves money never has money enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income. This too is meaningless.

Sacrifice of praise

2010-01-13T06:09:00.000-08:00

Bible and worshipping songs mention a lot of sacrifice, be it in term of offering of animal, plant, human life or some material possession to the Lord. Likewise, praise is also mentioned throughout the scriptures, be it praises to men or the Lord. Little do I give much thought to the combination of these two words - sacrifice of praise. I never expect give praise to the Lord is also considered a form of sacrifice. The two bible references below shed some light on the significant of giving praise to the Lord. (Father, I pray that You in Your gracious mercy will reveal the real meaning of these phrase to us as we explore and mediate on the verses below. Help us oh Lord, help us to have the full grasp of its meaning and in turn praise You all the more knowing what it means and how much it means to You. Father, I hereby present to You our sacrifice of praise.)

Psalm 54:6
6 I will sacrifice a freewill offering to you;
I will praise your name, O LORD, for it is good.

Every sacrifice made should stem from pure heart, good conscience and sincere faith. It is freewill offering from us to the Lord to praise Him solely for who He is and what He had done for us. His sacrifice on the Calvary alone is sufficient, perfect and complete to redeem all our transgressions and sins. Because He is righteous, we righteous; because He is holy, we are holy; because He is blameless, we are blameless. Wouldn't this reason more than enough for us to rejoice, give thanks and offer our praises to Him?

Hebrews 13:15
15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—
the fruit of lips that confess his name.

Even when I feel like my world is shaking, I will give praise.
Even when thing does not go according to my way, I will give praise.
Even when reality is the exact opposite of what I want, I will give praise.
Even when I feel like my heart is breaking, I will give praise.
Even when I was persecuted, I will give praise.
Even when I lost my beloved one, I will give praise.
Even when I lost my means of living, I will give praise.
Even when I lost my health, I will give praise.
Even when I lost my courage to live, I will give praise.
Even when I can never bear a child, I will give praise.
Even when I will remain single, I will give praise.
Even when I was disfigured, I will give praise.
Even when I lost my sight, I will give praise.
Even when I lost my voice, I will give praise.
Even when I lost my legs and hands, I will give praise.
Even when I was born with disability, I will give praise.
Even when I was tempted and tortured beyond what I can bear, I will give praise.
Even when I was to live in exile, I will give praise.
......................................................................
......................................................................
......................................................................
Even when it costs my life, I will give praise.

(Philippians 3:8 I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ. Father, I pray that You will grant me the same measure of confident and love that You have lavished in Paul's life. May You will be done today and tomorrow)

It reflects the state of our hearts that lean fully on Him and Him alone. Regardless of the circumstances, we continue to place our full trust in Him - knowing that He is always in charge. In other words, when life has a head-on collision with life storms we continue to give Him praise. We refuse to constraint our praises to God in good times but in bad times we continue to praise Him all the more. We continue to guard our minds, protect our souls and watch over our bodies with the serenity from God. We choose to humble ourselves and exalt our mighty God for His sovereignty in our lives. It is a delibrate and conscious decision that we make in hearts no matter what happens now and tomorrow. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we refuse even the slightest hint of bitterness from taking root, we reject disappointment from flourishing in heart and we do not allow heart breaking from mushrooming all over our thinking. We acknowledge the fact that God gives and God takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.

Whispering to Abba, Father:

Lord, I know it is easier said than done to praise You especially in bad season of life. Though my body is weak and broken, it is my desire to continue offer my sacrifice of praise to You all of my days. I pray that God will continue grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference. Help me to see above and beyond the cruel reality of life and ground firmly in Your living words. Help me to fix Your words in my heart and mind; tie them as symbols on my hands and bind them on my forehead. Help me to fix my eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. Father, I pray that You continue grant me the peace of mind knowing that I am fixing my eyes on Jesus, the rock, the strong refuge, the author and perfecter of our faith. Amen

My Little Dream Place

2009-11-15T06:24:00.001-08:00

Visited one of the trinity colleges recently. =) Not too sure which is the right place for me. Simply go to satisfy my curiosity ^.^

Oh Lord, listen to Your child's prayer: If You are willing, do reserve a place for me in the college. May You go before me to prepare the way. May this little dream of mine come to pass in due time. I surrender this burning request in Your mighty hand. Keep this longing aflame till I set my foot there. I finally learn that it is not so much of receiving formal education to equip me to be a Shepherd but what is more important is learn about Your way and Your truth. I long to walk closely and intimately with You, by You and beside You. Help me to grasp how wide, how deep and how high Your love is for us. Oh Lord, mould me to be one of the few workers that work on the plentiful harvest in Your field. Amen.

Proverbs 13:12

Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.

Proverbs 13:19a

A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul

Breakthrough

2009-10-26T07:16:00.000-07:00

Lately I am pretty engaged in the book title "The 21st Century Pastor" by David Fisher.

I particularly like his style of writing. He is sympathetic and tender like a mother on one hand while firm and uncompromised like a father on the other hand. He explains the roller coaster journey of pastorial as a combination of excruciating pain and soaring joy. Though I am not in the ministry yet, at times I just can't help but feel pretty much at the bottom of the pit and sometimes I am overwhelmed with the moutain-top feeling where nothing matters except Jesus Christ.

He points out a very important fact which I have been struggled for quite a while. How prepare are you to be a shepherd? Frankly speaking, most of the times I feel inadequate, imcompetent, imperfect and somehow confused for the call. Who am I that You are so mindful of? I just came to know Christ 4-5 years ago, I finished reading the whole bible only once, I am chinese educated, I can't speak fluent English, I tend to eat too much, I have sweet tooth, I do not have much discipline in studying and meditating on Your words, I do not have much patient, I experience mood swings like any other girls... the list can go on and on....

"The very point of our human weakness was precisely the place of God's power and grace!" What an astonishing statement he had make. When we are empowered to accomplish the humanly speaking impossible task, all the glory, honor, credit and praise go to Him. It leaves no room for us to boast and brag. In our humanity, we tend to puff up with pride when God in His grace chose to perform miracles through us. Who can withstand excessive praises from men without feeling flattering? Who can remain humble all the times? Who can resist the splendor in this passing world without second thought? Who can abstain entirely from the lust of the world? Who can act perfectly all the times? Who can life entirely for Jesus Christ? Who can claim he/she loves Jesus with all his/her heart, mind and soul all the times? Who can love his/her neighbour all the times? Though we are called to spread His words, we are admit it or not just as human and sinful as the people we serve. Jesus knows we will fail in one way or another, that is why He crowned us with the Holy Spirit to guide and lead us. It is by grace and empowerment of the Holy Spirit we are able to breakthrough our old self to serve Him and His people whole-heartedly. Holy Spirit, what a wonderful gift that God had given us to stir up the inward transformation which in turn ignite the outward demonstration of God's love to the world.

Whispering to Abba Father:

Father, help me to see above and beyond all the gigantic intimidation factors that coming like roaring thunders every now and then. Help me to fix my eyes on You and You alone. Many things in the world I might not know and do not need to know, I just need to remember You love me and lay down Your life for me. Help me to guard our very first love with all my might, my strength, my heart and my soul. Walk me through every chapter of life with the confidence and power born of deep and humble dependence on You. Give me a pure and humble heart all the times. Though we are inadequate, thank you for working through our feeble efforts anyway. Help me to understand and etch deeply in my heart the very fact that our work, whether large or small, bears the eternal weight of glory. If our labors produce but one transformed life, it is more than worth the struggle, and heaven sings. Father, pardon my stubborn and slowness in learning Your truth and wisdom. I am sorry for the time when my knowledge puffs up and inflate with pride. I am sorry for the time when anger seems to overtake my calm. I am sorry for searching aimlessly instead of wait upon You under Your feet. I am sorry for the time when I chose to mute my ears to Your Word, blind my eyes to Your glory but speak like a fool. Father, I pray that Your word continue like the lamp to my feet and light for my path, just enough to illuminate the next step in life. Whether You chose to reveal a glimpse of Your glory to me or not, it does not change the fact that You love me. Amen!

John 14:25-27
25"All this I have spoken while still with you. 26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

Genesis

2009-08-28T07:41:00.000-07:00

When you slow down the pace of your life, spend a minute or two to breath life into your day, pause to enjoy the scenery around you, spend couple of seconds to just praise and adore God for who He is, He will lay bare His beautiful and precious creation in front of you.

Today I went to work as usual. The only different is I chose to wake up earlier and take my time to work. Since I was not in the hurry, it allowed me to spend some time enjoying the natural creation that greets me daily. Jeremiah 29:13- You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. Indeed, Father opened up my eyes once again. I saw tones of snails that crawling freely on the refreshed grass that washed clean by the morning rain. I never expect to see so many snails or all the while I am not paying attention to it. It reminds me of how creative our might God is. Everything is lay nicely and orderly in heaven and in earth. No one creation is left unfed (unless we give up such a privilege and choose not to work for living). Above and beyond, He shelters us from danger, clothes us with outpouring grace, dresses us with overflowing blessings, blankets us with mercy and covers us with care. It reminds me of the book of Genesis and fills me with awe and admiration. There is no such perfect coordination, wonderful arrangement and flawless order on the earth unless it is from the God. Have you ever spare some thoughts on all the natural yet supernatural occurence around you?

birds are equipped with wings to fly in the sky;

fish are crowned with gills to breath under water;

ants are furnished with antenna to discern direction;

bees have long proboscis (a complex "tongue") that enables them to obtain the nectar from flowers;

iguana have the ability to disguise themself when threaten;

elephant's gestation period is 22 months, the longest of any land animal;

just to name few...the list goes on and on...

Do you realized that how detailed and tedious our great God is when He creates all the living and non living? All are honored with not one but bundle of gifts to function and live well. Each thing created is not without its purpose and plan. In order to function well, we have to use and refine every single gift that innate in us. It should be even more so when it comes to spiritual gifts. Yield to Paul's instruction - eagerly desire the greater gifts. (Oh Lord, allow me to be "greedy" when come to acquire the fruit of the Spirit. Let love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faihfulness, gentleness and self-control deeply locked in the inner part of my heart. Amen.)

Whispering to Abba Father:

Oh Lord, hide Your peace and calmness in me. Help me to be still though things are revolving fast surround me. Help me to be at rest in face of stormy days. Help me to subdue all the persecutions. Help me to acknowledge and know that You are God who hold the whole universe in Your palm. You are the one and only God that has the power to heal the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. You are mighty God that determines the number of stars and calls them each by name. Your are the most talented landscaper that covers the sky with clouds, supplies the earth with rain and makes grass grow on the hills. You are the supreme provider that provides food for the cattle and for the young ravens when they call. You spreads the snow like wool and scatters the frost like ashes. Great is our Lord and mighty in power, Your understanding has no limit. Thank you oh Lord for such an out of the world creation. We praise You for Your surpassing greatness. We love and adore You.

The Parable of the Sower

2009-08-26T08:03:00.001-07:00

I was telling or to be exact "complaining" to Pastor Chad how exhausted, tired and dry my spiritual life lately. I tried to explain to him how all the external factors such as the pace of life, the way of living, how occupy life can be in the city etc can choke one's spiritual life. Towards the end of the conversation, I started to realize how much I am still leading "US" lifestyle . (with or without knowledge). No doubt, I am here physically yet I am not here spiritually. Too much changes had been taking place lately.

Pastor patiently explained to me what are the challenges awaits life at the rural areas. Indeed, there are thousands and one factors that threaten the existence and advancement of the gospel. The circumstances at different part of the world might be different but the truth holds forever. It is always a good practice to take time off, pause for a while and take inventory of the position of our hearts at different seasons of life. Thank You for once again remind me of Your victory two thousands year ago. The very fact that you died and rose on the 3rd day speaks loudly of Your landslide victory. Thank You oh Lord for such a victory and thank You for crushing Satan on Your feet!

Just some paradox of life that worth ponder over and over again --- courtesy of George Carlin

we have
a) taller buildings but shorter tempers,
b) wider Freeways , but narrower viewpoints.

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

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

(Father, forgive me for allowing all the cares of lives to choke my spiritual life. Thank You for continue holding me tightly in Your palm. Thank You for carrying me when I don't feel like walking anymore. Thank You for remain the same - today, yesterday and tomorrow. Thank You for who You are. Thank You for what You had done on the Calvary. Thank You for reveal Yourself to me. Thank You for loving me no matter who I am and what I have done. You alone worth all our praises and worship. I pray that You will go ahead of us, prepare the field and make the path of salvation straight. I pray that no matter what kind of ground we are in, help us oh Lord help us to continue rooted deeply in You. Have mercy on us oh Lord for ultimately You are the only one that holds the growing power. May You send forth helpers and advisors along the way to help while You make things grow. I pray that whoever that has breath will come to know and accept You as their personal saviors. I ask this in Your strong name, Amen.)

Luke 8:4-15

4While a large crowd was gathering and people were coming to Jesus from town after town, he told this parable:
5"A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds of the air ate it up.
6Some fell on rock, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture. 7Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants.
8Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown." When he said this, he called out, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear."
9His disciples asked him what this parable meant.
10He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to others I speak in parables, so that, " 'though seeing, they may not see; though hearing, they may not understand.'
11"This is the meaning of the parable: The seed is the word of God.
12Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved.
13Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while, but in the time of testing they fall away.
14The seed that fell among thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life's worries, riches and pleasures, and they do not mature.
15But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.

Whispering to Abba, Father:
Oh Lord Father, thank you for breathing in deeper and wider meaning to Your word. Thank You for revealing greater meaning in the Scripture. Thank You for such a great Word. Father, I pray that You continue grant me sensitive and tender heart to listen to You voice, Your purpose and Your plan. Help me oh Lord, help me to clear away all the clutters and blockages in my life. Cleanse me, my heart will be clean; purify me, and my heart will be pure. Refine, restore, refresh and replenish me today oh Lord. Help me to keep in step with You. Give me sufficient grace and mercy to lead each passing days. I love You and depend heavily on You, my dear heavenly Father.

Wise word from the Lord 难以忘怀的话语

2009-08-14T19:10:00.000-07:00

PS: Chinese translation will come in later...sorry!!~~

These are just few examples that worth slowing down to digest, absorp and apply in our daily lives. God is an awesome God indeed, His wisdom transcends all understanding and pierces directly into the innest most of one's heart. Do not withold Your wisdom, oh my Lord, may You continue to nurture my heart with such indescrible beauty of wisdom. Amen =)

1) One of the heart-warming gifts for discipleship is when the person that you used to pray for he/she, thank to God's grace and mercy start to pray for you in return. Believe it or not, those might be the moment when you need such prayer the most ^.^ Quote from Mr. Ong, inherited from Li Fang to me: We can count the number of seed inside an apple but we won't know how many apple will come from a single seed. So continue to spread the seed of gospel as far as you can for God honors such an act and in due time will multiply your seed by hundreds and thousands times. --- courtesy from Li Fang

2) God grins from ear to ear when we make it a point to have quiet and solitary walk with Him daily (ideally) or as often as we can for He longs to have intimate conversation with His offsprings. More often than not, it is during those times when our hearts desire Him and to be with Him, His voice will be exceptionally loud and etch in our heart. If you can't hear God's voice at the first or second walk, it does not mean that God stops dwell in us. Just that we are slow to quiet down our hearts and taking our own sweet time to remove clutters that hinder spiritual growth. With or without knowledge, we choose to take the winding road instead of the straight path that God has prepared in advance for us. Learn from Mary, always as obedient as a kid when it comes to listen to God's word. In exchange of the thousands good deeds that we deemed to be try to do only one thing - listen intently to what God try to tell you, be at the feet of Jesus all the times. (c. f. Luke 10:38-42)

A good example and motivation for those who take the first leap of faith:

A little girl desires to spend some quality time with the Lord. She took time off from her busy schedule and hoped to have an intimate walk with the Father at Botanical Garden (which located at least an hour away from her house. She took all the trouble and time to get there early in the morning). It was breezy morning and sky was navy blue - a perfect weather for a walk. Once she reached the destination, rain drop started to fall. People were rushing and running looking for shelter. Such an intermittent rain smoothered the step of faith no matter how strong your faith might be I guess. Like others, this little girl searched her bag and pulled out the umbrella with great dismay. She murmured unceasingly (it is funny when it comes to complaint, we always do it unceasingly but when it comes to praising the God, who can do it consistently?) to His Father, asking the Lord why He allows such a rain to come?

The Lord speaks," my dear, are you willing to walk with me through shine or rain?"

What a soul searching question! The little girl can only bow and knock her head in full submission.

The rain only lasted for few minutes. It did not really wet the place thoroughly but refreshed the dating venue between them. The rain served as a natural air conditioner to cool down and prepare a more comfortable environment for those at the outdoor. Efford put in God will never go in vain indeed =)

Think the question is not that God stops speak to us but how prepare and receptive our hearts to listen to His voice? -- courtesy from Li Fang

3) I received a call from Helen asking me out for dinner. The call came in few seconds afer I stepped into my apartment from gym. She said if I am alright with the arrangement, they (Kent and Helen) will come and pick me up in 30 mins time. I was still puffing away with filthy clothes and smelly sweat. I seriously doubt that I will be ready in 30 mins! Though I really love to spend time with them but in view of my shabby look, I politely turned down their offer (I am heavily influenced by Asian culture, never attend an invitation unprepared! =D ) Honestly, I am not good in rejecting invitation. After explained my condition, little do I expect such a short and sweet rhetorical question from Helen.

Helen said," does that matter?"

Well, come to think of it that really does not matter at all. What matters most is who you are spending time with. The same is our standing in front of God. God never take into account our look, status, clothes and other external appearances. It is the position of our hearts that matters more to Him. --- courtesy from Helen

4) There was this county that suffered from prolong drought for quite some times. The scorching heat had threatened the livelihood of the villager yet no one had any solution in mind in face of such natural disaster. Some religious parties decided to have a ritual to ask for rain from heaven. Everyone from the village was asked to gather at the assembly place at the afternoon. Everyone came with great expectancy since there seem to be no other way out of such predicament. When it was time to start the ceremony, the priest had a long pause and his view stagnant at the very far end. There was this little girl who attended the ceremony with a red umbrella holding tightly in her hand! Indeed, it was a scene that worth framing in mind! Such a beautiful child-like faith, isn't? (Father, forgive me for not being able to trust you all the times, forgive me whenever I try to use my own rational/knowledge to box your unlimited limit. Father, may You continue to preserve our first love. I long to be continued to be Your little innocent daughter that trust and believe all things that You have in stored for me. It is my desire to trust You with all my heart, my mind and my soul. I just want to love You more with each passing day, show me oh Lord, show me how to love You more... No matter what is ahead of me, I wish to say this over and over again...I love You, Abba Father. Amen)

I can hear God's word in church 教会，一个可以听到神话语的地方

2009-08-02T06:15:00.000-07:00

Two weeks ago I had this opportunity to talk to a Christ sister's that visit my church. She comes from ShangHai, China. She is doing a passing visit and will only stay at Singapore for about a month. She visits my church alone no matter rains or shines. She chose to go church to worship the Lord whole-heartedly though there is no one available to accompany her to the church. Come to think of it, if I am her, I might not be as keen as her especially when I am having my holidays. What a self-centred and shameful thought! Throughout the conversation, there is one sentence that deeply etched in my heart. Such sentence lingers around my mind for quite a while. She said " the only place that I can learn God's word is at the church." Though the sentence is short and sweet, it is also such a mind-boggling sentence. Such sentence reflects the importance of churches around the world to spread God's word and how we as the followers of God should have such a receptive attitude of yearning and longing for God's word. All the glory and honor belong to God, Amen.

前两个星期有机缘与一位来自中国上海的姐妹谈天。虽然她只会在新加坡逗留一个多月，在没有任何亲朋戚友的陪同下她独自一个人风雨不改的来到离家较近的教会赞美及歌颂主。换作是我，我或许会稍微的松懈下来，说开了实在教我惭愧。她说了一句让我久久不能忘怀，深为感动的一句话。她说，“只有在教会才能听见神的话语。” 虽然只是那么简短的一句话，当中的含义却是多么值得我们去探讨。这句话反映了教会在信徒心里举足轻重的地位及重要性。同时这也是每个信徒该持有的态度，一心一意，全心全意地去聆听主的话语。一切的荣耀，尊荣都应归于主，阿门。

It reminds me of Psalm 84:10
10 Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
这不禁让我想起诗篇84：10 在你的院宅住一日，胜似在别处住千日；宁可在我神殿中看门，不愿住在恶人的帐棚里。

God never sends you out alone主绝不会让你孤军作战

2009-07-26T23:02:00.000-07:00

Photo： My hometown, Penang from afar....
照片：远在天边的是我的故乡，槟城。

When I feel like giving up... when I feel like letting go... when I think I can't go on anymore... when I think I have nothing much to contribute... when I try to limit God with my own limitation...when I try to walk my path, my way and my life with my own strength... when my best simply not enough... when I am exhausted...the list can go on and on...

当我想要放弃时，当我想要放手时，当我觉得我无法继续时，当我认为我无法在神的国度里作出任何贡献时，当我想凭着自己的局限来限制神的大能时，当我企图走我自己的道，行我自己的路，开创我自己的人生的时候，当我的最好还是不够的时候，当我很疲惫的时候。。。类似的举例可以不断的延续下去，可说是没完没了啊...

Those are just feel negative thoughts that surface so naturally when we lean so much on our feeling and thinking. Praise the Lord for His wise word: Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
这些消极的举例很容易就会浮现在脑海里如果我们凡事都单靠着我们的感受和想法。感谢主赐给我们聪明的话语：箴言 3：5 - 6 你要专心仰赖耶和华，不可倚靠自己的聪明：在你一却所行的事上，都要认定他，他必指引你的路。

Isn't the core of the problem become crystal clear now? We are confused, distressed, discouraged because we lean too much on our own feeling which God don't intend to =)
听了神的话语，事情的症结不已显然易见了吗？大多时候我们会觉得困惑，压力，失去信心，那是因为我们倚靠自己的直觉去办事。这并非是主原先为我们所安排的，这也非主的意愿。

Instead of viewing it as Satan's attack, such a doubtful situation can serve as a good measuring cylinder to help us take inventory on how much faith we have in the Lord and how firm do we stand on Him.
与其把这看作撒旦的袭击，倒不如借此机会在心灵上自我整顿，自我调整，来个心灵测试。究竟我们对于神的信心有多么的大，究竟我们对神的信念有多么的巩固。

I have learned that whenever this kind of discouragement surfaces, the very first thing we should do is surrender it fully to the Lord. Only the Lord has the ability to reveal to us the different perspective and angle of the issue. More often than not, our thinkings are pretty much dictated by our self-centredness. No matter what happens, the first response is how about me? Have you considered how I feel? Have you put yourself in my shoes? Why done it another way round? Even our great Father did not come to be served, bu to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (c.f. Matthew 20:28). If anyone of us can have such a great love inflames in our hearts, all the conflicts can be prevented/solved easily, isn't?
随着面对的事多了，每当我处于人生低潮的时候，我学会了我的第一个反应应该是把所有的事都一一的事都交托给主。只有主有能力睁开我心灵的慧眼让我从而用不同的角度去看待身边发生的事。我们的想法往往都是一味的任由“自我”来操纵。所以不论发生任何事情，我们第一个反应就是对方是否有站在我的立场想过？对方是否有考虑过我的感受？对方是否有为我着想过？马太福音20：28 正如人子来，不是要受人的服事，乃是要服事人，并且要舍命，作多人的赎价. 如果大家都能够让如此的博爱在心中不停的燃烧，那么世上很多的纠纷不就可以迎刃而解了吗？

(Father, I pray that You continue grant me the ability to view things from Your lens and from Your window of Love. I thanked You oh Lord)
天父啊，我诚心的向你祈求，愿你赐给我智慧及力量，让我有机会从你爱的窗口去观看世间的一境一物。我感谢你啊耶稣。

Have you ever think of the only WHEN that we need is WHEN we have GOD?
你可否有想过往往我们最需要的所谓“时候”是当神与我们同在的时候？

The question is have you looked closer enough for His blessings that spread all over the places? Do you firm enough in His walk to give thank in all circumstances?
你我可否有用心去寻找，去体验神所赐给我们片地的祝福及福气？你我可否能够无时无刻的赞美及歌颂神的大能？

by Max Lucado 取自陆可铎

God never sends you out alone. Are you on the eve of change? Do you find yourself looking into a new chapter? Is the foliage of your world showing signs of a new season? Heaven’s message for you is clear: when everything else changes, God presence never does. You journey in the company of the Holy Spirit, who “will teach you and will remind you of everything I have told you” (John 14:26 NLT).
神绝不会让你独自的去开拓神的园地的。你是否正处于蝉变的边沿？你是否即将踏入人生新的路程碑？你正处于如同红叶般脱落的枯叶的意境是否象征着新季节的来临? 从天而降的讯息是如此的清晰：哪怕所有的事情都在改变，主一直都与你我同在。约翰福音 14：26 但保惠师，就是父因我的名所要差来的圣灵，他要将一切的事指教你们，并且要叫你们想起我对你们所说的一切话。

Count to Eight (Woe, Be Gone)

2009-07-22T22:41:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful article by Max Lucado... Simply love it!!!~~ Pray that the Lord will continue build and bring up such a talented writer...May the peace of the Lord be with them. Amen.

“We have here only five loaves and two fish.” (Matt. 14:17)
How do you suppose Jesus felt about the basket inventory? Any chance he might have wanted them to include the rest of the possibilities? Involve all the options? Do you think he was hoping someone might count to eight?
“Well, let’s see. We have five loaves, two fish…and Jesus!” Jesus Christ. The same Jesus who told us:
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. (Luke 11:19 NIV)
If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you. (John 15:7 NIV)
What ever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Mark 11:24 NIV)
Standing next to the disciples was the solution to their problems…but they didn’t go to him. They stopped their count at seven and worried.
What about you? Are you counting to seven, or to eight?

Here are eight worry stoppers to expand your tally:
Pray, first. “Casting the whole of your care [all your anxieties, all your worries, all your concerns, once and for all] on Him…(I Peter 5:7 AMP)
Easy now. Slow down. “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him (Ps. 37:7).
Act on it. The moment a concern surfaces, deal with it. Don’t dwell on it. Head off worries before they get the best of you. Be a doer, not a stewer.
Compile a worry list. Over a period of days record your anxious thoughts. Then review them. How many of them turned into a reality?
Evaluate your worry categories. Detect recurring areas of preoccupation that may become obsessions. Pray specifically about them.
Focus on today. God meets daily needs daily. He will give you what you need when it is needed.
Unleash a worry army. Share your feelings with a few loved ones. Ask them to pray with and for you.
Let God be enough. “Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” (Matt. 6:32-33 NLT).
Eight steps. Pray, first. Easy, now. Act on it. Compile a worry list. Evaluate your worry categories. Focus on today. Unleash a worry army. Let God be enough.
P-E-A-C-E-F-U-L

My Struggles are About Him

2009-07-05T21:23:00.000-07:00

A beautiful article by Max Lucado... Hope you all will like it too ^.^

What about your struggles? Is there any chance, any possibility, that you have been selected to struggle for God’s glory? Have you “been granted for Christ’s sake, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake” (Philippians 1:29)?

Here is a clue. Do your prayers seem to be unanswered? What you request and what you receive aren’t matching up? Don’t think God is not listening. Indeed he is. He may have higher plans.
Here is another. Are people strengthened by your struggles? A friend of mine can answer yes. His cancer was consuming more than his body; it was eating away at his faith. Unanswered petitions perplexed him. Well-meaning Christians confused him. “If you have faith,” they said, “you will be healed.”

No healing came. Just more chemo, nausea, and questions. He assumed the fault was a small faith. I suggested another answer. “It’s not about you,” I told him. “Your hospital room is a showcase for your Maker. Your faith in the face of suffering cranks up the volume of God’s song.”

Oh, that you could have seen the relief on his face. To know that he hadn’t failed God and God hadn’t failed him—this made all the difference. Seeing his sickness in the scope of God’s sovereign plan gave his condition a sense of dignity. He accepted his cancer as an assignment from heaven: a missionary to the cancer ward.

A week later I saw him again. “I reflected God,” he said, smiling through a thin face, “to the nurse, the doctors, my friends. Who knows who needed to see God, but I did my best to make him seen.”

Bingo. His cancer paraded the power of Jesus down the Main Street of his world.
God will use whatever he wants to display his glory. Heavens and stars. History and nations. People and problems.

Rather than begrudge your problem, explore it. Ponder it. And most of all, use it. Use it to the glory of God.

Through your problems and mine, may God be seen.

Live to give Jesus away

2009-06-18T12:44:00.000-07:00

Finally I am done with my final examinations (praise the Lord for that!!~~), finally I have more free time to put into words what have been lingered around my mind while I am studying the book of Corinthians. My heart sank when Paul, one of the apostle of the heart set free (thank you Bill for giving me a lovely book by F.F. Bruce of this title) pleaded to the Lord to take away a thorn in his flesh that tormented him yet the Lord said to him, " My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." What a mind provoking answer, isn't? Little do we expect, our Heavenly Father who always has the best interest in mind for His daughters/sons when it comes to such a sure YES request, the answer is quite the opposite. (Father, I pray that you will use the Holy Spirit to guide and to help me to unpack Your word accurately. I pray that You will continue breathe in better understanding and apreciation of Your word into our lives. Help me oh Lord, help me to know You and have a better grasp of Your truth. Open up our eyes to see You, our ears to hear You and our souls to learn from You. It is my desire to know You more and becomes more and more like You. Amen.)

Like Paul, like it or not, all of us have thorn(s) in our lives. It can be physical or mental torment. What kind of thorn(s) do you have in life?

Could it be the abusive spouse?

Could it be betrayal?

Could it be your loved one walk away from your life?

Could it be disease that torture your days and nights?

Could it be spouse/family members that turn away from God?

Could it be the death of your loved one?

Could it be poverty?

Could it be infertility?

Could it be abusive family members?

Could it be lay off?

Could it be the mounting debts?

Could it be children that go off track?

The list can go on and on. Whatever it might be, take heart my dear friend. God reigns and He is always in full control. More often than not, it is those thorn(s) in life that keep us going and help align ourselves with God. When we are rendered powerless by the situation, we will learn how to surrender, submit to and humble before God. When we are weak, then God is strong. It is on those darkest hours that God's power will shine all the more. It is also at that very moment, our pride, our boasting and our self-centred deception that hinder our fellowship with God will be completely shattered and destroyed. No wonder Paul takes delight in boasting his weaknesses and he boasts all the more so that all the glory will go back to God. By doing so, he not only set himself free from the predicatement, more importantly he finds comfort and rest in the Lord.

Problems will always come and go like the waves that hit the shore. Different seasons of life pose different kind of problem. The only different is have you learn to lean solely on God's power and not yourself? Have you put on the full armor of God so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand firm on your ground? (Father, I pray that you will help us to stand firm with the belt of truth buckled around our waists, with the breastplate of righteousness in place and with our feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all these, equip us with the shield of faith, helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God.)

Make an effort to dissociate and look beyond the surface of the difficulties of life and you might (in God's perfect timing) have a glimpse of His mystery and beauty of life He has for you. That's why from the very beginning we are teach to live by faith, not by sight (c.f. 2 Corinthians 5:7) The more you exercise your faith, the easier it will become to unleash your faith in God.

Like thorns of the roses, those thorns are important to protect and shield us from turning away from our great God. When God no longer be our top priority, what is left for our broken bodies? What hope and motivation of life do we have? What kind of future we are going to have?

Indeed underlying the answer that we perceived to be NO, there are lots more deeper and greater significant into it. There is always a reason for everything just that most of the times our puny minds are incapable of fathom the underlying mystery that God has instored for us. We are unable to see the whole picture of life. Only God has our blue print of life on hand and know what is the best for us. The question is in those dull and suffering seasons are you willing to live a life in such a way that we live to give Jesus away? Are you willing to follow Him daily? How much do you allow God to take you to the place that you never dreamt of going, height you never expect to achieve and things you never think of possible? What have you done in return of His great love for you? Have you chosen to lead a life worthy of His blood on the cross?

1 Corinthians 10:13
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful, he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

My little whispering to Abba, Father:
Father, I pray that You will grant me the peace and comfort to accept the fact that God gives and God takes away. In all circumstances, help me to have the discernment to acknowlege and recognize Your sovereignty and magnificient power. You reign forever.

"Jesus knows best"
Special thank to LiFang for sharing this with me =)

"I don't know about tomorrow
I just live from day to day
And I don't borrow from its sunshine
For its skies may turn to gray
And I don't worry about my future
For I know what Jesus said
And today He walks beside me
For He knows what lies ahead
Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand"

Baptism testimony

2009-06-18T12:04:00.000-07:00

Witnessed baptism lately, it reminds me of my baptism testimony. Would like to share this moment of turning point in my life with all of you. No fancy story, nothing to boast about and nothing to take pride of. It is a story about God who chooses to demonstrate His gracious power through me. When advance medical technology can't help, when brilliant doctors scratching their heads for solution, when no one seems to be able to assist, when the only resort I have is to knee down before Him... In this life and death moment, He listened to my prayer and made His light shine in my heart to give me the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

It goes like this...

"Before I become a Christian, I used to think that human has the power to change whatever circumstances they are in. They can achieve everything as long as they put in 100% effort. History does tell that with determination and hard work, Wright brothers had enable human beings to fly in the sky though this idea seems ridiculous centuries ago. However, I had a new perception on August 2006. Last year of that time I experienced the biggest crisis in my life.

I went to work as usual. Half way through the work, I realized that there was a tiny white dot that blocked my central vision. No matter how hard I tried to see, there was always a missing part. I quickly went to nearby polyclinic to seek help. I was soon referred to hospital because my case was special. I experienced sudden but painless monocular decline in central acuity. For almost a week, the consultant at the hospital was still unable to identify the root cause of my disease. I was like walking in a maze, to and forth the hospital, doing more and more testing. My vision deteriorated with each passing days. My imagination continued to run wild with lots of unpleasant and in fact scary possibilities. “Come on, let’s face the reality, you might become blind eventually,” my inner voice keeps pestering me. This kind of negative thinking keep haunting me days and nights to such an extent that I dare not close my eyes for fear that I might not be able to see the next minute I open my eyes. All the cares and consoles from my family and friends seemed so distant to me. I suddenly feel that I have no one to turn to except to Jesus Christ.

I can still remember vividly that was the first time I kneeled down to Jesus even though I accepted Christ some where in May 2006 after my best friend said a sinner prayer to me. I was in floods of tears. Again and again I begged Him to heal my eyes since human effort did not seem to work any better. After which, I decided to seek second opinion at Singapore National Eyes Centre. When we kneel down to pray, God actually bends down to listen. True enough, I met with a very good consultant and he managed to give precise diagnosis to my situation. I was diagnosed with Multiple Evanescent White Dot Syndrome (MEWDS). It is a rare, unilateral, self-limiting inflammatory eyes disease that primarily affects young women. According to the consultant, it is like chicken-pox but it happens inside the eyes. I was healed miraculously in few months time. "

When I am suffering, God reveals two things to me: His grace and His power – His grace to sustain me and keep me, and His power to deliver me. He waits until all hope outside of Him is dead so that I will know it is He who brought life where there was none. Sometimes He takes things out of our lives so that we will turn to Him to supply our need. No matter how much God blesses us, He wants us to acknowledge that we depend on Him. He uses the storms of our lives to accomplish that purpose. -- extracted from Stormie Omartian

Ever since that incident, I had a better understanding of what faith is all about. Faith is not demanding what we want; it is trusting God’s goodness in spite of life’s tragedies. I truly thanked God for granting me a vision far outweighs the temporary physical impairment. I am glad that this incident happened because the predicament actually draws me closer to Him.

~ ~ When we open our heart to the Lord, He opens our eyes to the lost ~ ~
Prepared by Agnes Tan Ah Har

Faith, Hope and Love

2009-06-14T12:54:00.000-07:00

Decoration on the wall ~~ Butterfly. Helen say she hope I will be ever growing, ever changing, ever becoming a more true and beautiful me in God's perfect timing. I nodding with tearful eyes....

Without God's compelling love, who has the ability to prepare such an out of the world meal? Today I have a happy stomach!! ~.~''

"I will miss everyone in Mountainview Evangelical Free Church too!!! Meet you all in prayer in future ya ^.^"

A wonderful handmade quilt by Jane. I love the little Agnes that surrounded by FAITH, HOPE and LOVE. Jane, thank you for giving me such a beautiful wing (it reminds me of the butterflies that putting up by Helen, another divine connection?...) Praise the Lord for such a patience and love to bind this together...

Another shot of the quilt...Little Agnes reading bible DAILY (my little promise to God), yeah!!~~ I got to press on from now on!!~~ =D

I love the verse very much ~ With God all things are possible.....

A little promise (faith, hope and love) that I love to carry and wear today, tomorrow and in future =)

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Just now Pastor Chad gave me a farewell party with the wonderful help and coordination of Kent and Helen Aldous. Those are the names that I never want to forget *sob sob*

Believe it or not, they (different wonderful givers) gave me the presents bearing these 3 same important words - faith, hope and love. They did not discuss or plan it before hand! It is simply a wonderful and beautiful divine connection! I leap with joy when I open the present one by one, see the same powerful words appear over and over again in this season of my life. God is in fact try to encourage me to live a life of faith, hope and love. I strongly believed that =)

Oh Lord, thank you for pouring so much kindness in my life. I would love to share with all of you some of the kindness thoughts that God has placed in my mind right now:

A little kindness that seems to be insignificant and unimportant to us might have the power to overturn a life and death situation on the other parties. A timely encouraging words might change the suicidal thought that mingle in someone's mind. An opportune advice might stop the abortion from taking place. A heart-warming greeting might momentary ease the pain of the cancer patient. An outstretched and open arm might bring the go astray son/daughter back home. A small treat might fill the stomach that starve for days. There is no kindness that is too small to leave an impact in God's hand. More often than not, it is those add up small favor/offer that leave long and lasting impact in someone else life. Our God is an able God. He is able to multiply such a beautiful seed thousands and millions times. Most importantly, people will come to know God in His perfect timing.

Photos on that day:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=83031&id=576088539&l=5d0d15062c

Whispering to Abba, Father:

Father, I pray that You will continue to help me lead a life concentrate and saturate with faith, hope and love. I pray that the overflowing of joy knowing You will continue to spill over to whoever that comes across my life. When they see me, they will feel your manifest presence in my life. Father, I might not be the most beautiful, most perfect and the best among your daughters and sons but I promise I will give my very best in return of Your great love that You have poured out in my life. Father, I pray that You continue to bestow mountain-move and child-like faith in me. I long to be like David and the little child that only have five loaves and two fishes who chose to give it all everything that they have to glorify and honor You. Today once again I am overwhelmed by Your great love demonstrated by the people that love You. It is Your compelling love that propels and enables us to love each others with the same magnitude of love You have given us. God is love indeed. No wonder Jesus has the ability and will to obey You till the point of death. It is the same kind of surpassing love and overflowing blessings that make Paul considers everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord. In fact, what was glorious has no glory in comparison with the surpassing glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.... "every knee will bow and every tongue will confess you are the Lord.." Let this wonderful song continue to play lively in my life, oh Lord. I love You. MORE You and less me; INCREASE You and humble me. That's all I ask for. Amen

He calls us by name

2009-06-14T12:01:00.000-07:00

" Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations." Jeremiah 1:5

I am not born to be a speaker but God say "I will put my words in your mouth."
I am just a child but God say "I will make you to be who I want you to be."
I am afraid but God say "Do not be afraid for I am always with you."
I am tired and wore out but God say "Come, and I will give you rest. My burden is light."
I think it is impossible but God say "With me all things are possible."
I am sick but God say "I will heal you."
I don't know how to love but God say "God is love. I will show you how to love."
My soul is so restless but God say "I will give you peace."
My body is broken but God say "I will make you whole."
My mind is so empty but God say "In me you will bear fruit."

Those are just few excuses that I use most of the time especially when it comes to do His work. Again and again, He convicts and proves to me that He is able to transform me through and through. (though He really don't have to set aside so much time on me...who am I that You are so mindful of? The reason is as plain and as simple as You love us, every single one of us. God so loved the world that He gave his one and only Son. Whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. I can only bow down in adoration.)

I have been "dreaming" of having my own stage and audience for quite a while. I hope to preach with great confident, to shine His radiant, to spread His fragrant and aroma to whoever that has ears. Little do I know that every little imagination, every little dream, every little prayer that I whisper is fully heard by Him. Even when I don't feel it or hear it, God is always at work. He is a great mastermind behind the scene. On 11 June 09, He presented me my 1st stage - Auditorium at my workplace. Though I have to present work-related topic (Chemistry), I am so thrilled and excited about it!!! It is a place that i wish I can be the speaker all the time. God is gracious and mercy to me. By leaning solely on Him, He calms my nerves and guides me to deliver my speech beautifully. Once again, He did it for me!!~~ I love you Lord.

Photos on that day:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=82678&id=576088539&l=1d415e2214

New in town

2009-05-29T19:37:00.000-07:00

Just watched "New In Town" at my friend's house. What a joyful gathering we have just now!!~~ And most importantly this movie kind of spell out what I am feeling right now. One more month, I will be back to where I belong. It has come to a beautiful conclusion of my phrase of life here, just as God has intended it to be. It feels pretty much like broadway show that has come to an end - the lights at the stage become dim, the curtain draw from both sides and the applause stops. And another show with different theme, place, people and time awaits to be showed. It is heartening to know that no matter which phrase of life you are in, God is always there holding our hands, step by step, walking towards the place that He has prepared for us in advance =) No matter what kind of changes in life, be it good or bad changes, it never comes easy. There is always be a "tug-of-war" of mixed feelings. Sometimes I experience the moutaintop feeling, the excitement just like the blind being healed by Jesus, there is simply so much joy and grateful in heart to witness His beautiful and marvelous creation. Sometimes I feel like I am in the lion dent, I am hard pressed on every side, but thank God I am not crushed (cf. 2 Cor. 4:7-10)! Time and time again, I have to remind myself "Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight." Father, thank you carry me through with your unfailing and unconditional love.

The synopsis of the movie as below: Lucy Hill (Renee Zellweger) is a high achiever shooting to become a Vice President. To show the President that she has the ability, she takes an assignment to restructure one of their small manufacturing plants in Minnesota. From the high life in Miami to the bitter cold, snow, and icy roads, Lucy must endure these hardships to succeed. Lucy is treated as an outsider when she arrives, and the locals give her a week before she leaves. Lucy is a fighter and wants to win. She meets Ted Mitchell (Harry Connick, Jr.) who is the union representative. At first, she has some conflicts with the workers, but soon they begin to accept her. The new product line is a bust, and she is ordered to close the plant and fire everyone. However, she has a better idea of making money for the company and saving everybody's job. Along the way, she finds something she didn't know she was looking for - "Love".

My senior always say " Agnes, without knowing it, you are gone..." The phrase that used to be distant and far away become near and real now. I never realize that I suffered from "separation anxiety" all the while until now. Sometimes how I wish I can just say goodbye without feeling aches in my heart. Sometimes how I wish I can just move on without shedding tears. When I look back my stay here next time, may it 2 months, 2 years or 20 years later, what are the things that will leave a big smile on my face?

Could it be the freezing cold winter?
Could it be the snow white snow?
Could it be the breezy spring?
Could it be the squirrels?
Could it be the beautiful sunset?
Could it be the autumnal hues?
Could it be the seasonal flowers?
Could it be the blue sky and fluffy cloud?
Could it be the priceless friendship?
Could it be the random chat and friendly smile from strangers?
Could it be the delicious yogurt and ice cream?
Could it be the greasy and salty pizza?
Could it be the buy 1 get 1 groceries?
Could it be the once in a life time 10hrs hiking?
Could it be the home-cooked food?
Could it be the first attempts of cakes and cookies?
Could it be the ginger bread men?
Could it be the k love music station?
Could it be the more than 100 channels cable tv?
Could it be the unknown flowers that greet me every spring?

Could it be the small argument among the groups?

Could it be the 25 mins walk from work?

Honestly, I really don't know. The memory might surface once in a while, at its special hour and unique place. I won't be able to bring Albany back with me but the memory is definitely light enough for me to carry whenever I go. Oh Lord, thank you for the provision, I can never thank you enough and I am never worthy enough for such a great opportunity.

My little whispering to Abba, Father:

Daddy, I don't know when, what and how You are going to align my life but please continue to do it according to Your way though sometimes there is so much repulsions from my broken body. Continue to humble me with the fact that Your ways are not my ways, Your wisdom is always higher than mine. Thank you for being my strength, courage and pillar to face each challenging day. Thank you for cuddling me tight when I am tired and when my heart grows weary. Thank you for piggy back me when I don't feel like continue my walk with You. Thank you for allowing me to throw tantrum like a little toddler. Thank you for holding me up when I stumble. Thank you for saying it is ok when I continuously making mistakes in life. Thank you for saying come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. Father, may your manifest presence continue be felt in life. Help me to be more and more like you. Enable me to spread your aroma and fragrance to whoever that comes across my life. I ask this in Your strong name. Amen!~~~

Isaiah 40:28-31

28 Do you now know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

I wish you Jesus

2009-05-24T16:45:00.000-07:00

Beautiful setting ~ by Helen

Bill and Gladish ~ my faithful chauffeur
Kent and Helen ~ my friend cum "family" here
(note: photo taken some other days. Forgot to take their photo on that day, what a shame =p They are as joyful as always...)

Warm setting ~ by Helen

Dessert that last us for the night ^.^

Jello Garden Salad ~ by Eva

Sumptuous feast ~ by Helen and Kent

Group photo #1

Group photo #2

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All good or bad times will have to come to end, this is the beauty and mystery of life. I had my last small group gathering last wednesday. Wow, time flies! It will be 1.5 years in this coming July. I came in winter but will leave in summer. It is not a bad idea considering the heat and humidity that awaits me at Singapore =D Jesus knows best, that is sufficient.

(Father, I pray that You continue bless their time of worship and fellowship. May You continue bring about fruitful discussion whenever they meet up. Thank you for seeing us through every season of life - winter, spring, summer and autumn. It is so unique and special in its own way. Thank you for bringing all the wise people to my life. It is such a blessing to be able to join them in their small group. Thank you for bringing up such a wonderful warriors of prayer and faithful servants in this beautiful country. It is such a joy to witness their faithfulness to build up a church called MoutainView Evangelical Free Church. It is a long long journey, they take it one at a step, from the home church to the laying of church's foundation and roof. Every single step is a step of faith, hope and love. You are the spring of joy and well of fulfillment that carry them through even in their darkest hours. Because of all the refinement, they become who You want them to be today. I really thank You and praise You for allowing me to witness such a wonderful demonstration of Your love in their lives. Life is not always perfect but Your love is perfect. You alone is sufficient.)

Received this lovely song from my Christ sister. I have been thinking what to leave behind for my wonderful small group. Guess I know the answer now - Jesus Christ =) What a timely song! No other wishes is greater than this. I wish you all JESUS ^.^ Amen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v9E6kJNl2RY&feature=related

I could wish you joy and peace

To last a whole life long

I could wish you sunshine

Or a cheerful little song

Or wish you all the happiness

That this life could bring

But I wish you Jesus

More than anything

(Cause when I wish you Jesus,I wish you everything)

I could wish you leaves of gold

And may your path be smooth

I could wish you treasures

Or that all your dreams come true

And I could wish you paradise

And everyday be spring

Colorful life

2009-05-23T14:39:00.000-07:00

Recently I was attracted by the color of the plant surround me... It is simply fastinating to witness how creative our lovely God is... No two things in this world is of exact identical. He not only breathed life to the world He created, He also gave them wonderful colors and hues. Pictures tell a thousand words. Let's enjoy His creativity ^.^

Love from inside out

2009-05-14T12:46:00.000-07:00

Yes, tonight is the night for me to deliver my 2nd sermon. This time round I am on the book of 1 Corinthians. I will talk about 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. It is heartening to learn that there is actually a wonderful connection between 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 and Mark 12:28-31. Both verses also started up by infusing God's love to our hearts (inside) and demonstrate the same love that we received from God to whoever that come across our lives (out). What a wonderful coincident of love inside out indeed. Amen!! ^.^

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

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.

Mark 12: 29-31

29"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' 31The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these."

ps: Those are the photos that I have taken during my stay at US. Since I am on the topic of love, I actually inserted verses that have the word of LOVE in each photo. I believe there is power in God's word. It is my greatest hope to see God's love spread all over the world. May God fill their hearts (audience) with peace, faith, hope and love.

Heart-warming presents!!

2009-04-26T21:37:00.001-07:00

It is the mindful thoughts behind that matter most... Praise the Lord for the provision =)

God's rainbow

2009-04-26T19:01:00.000-07:00

Where we fill our stomaches....apart from good food there is good companionship, Praise the Lord!!~~

Flowers that greeted me along the way....

God's rainbow is only a prayer away....

Have been up all day long in this special day... Yes, it is my birthday!!~~~ another year older, another year wiser? (**hope so**) =D I am extremely surprise to find out that my Pastor's birthday is actually 27 Apr (1 day after mine) while Helen's (a super duper nice british woman who takes care of most of my need here) birthday is on 22 Apr... what a wonderful coincident isn't?

Psalm 118:24 - this is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Today means a lot to me. Instead of hoping for those regular celebration (whole bunch of friends sing birthday song, make wish, blow candle and have the first cut at the cake and etc), this year I somehow long for spending time with Father. I long for intimate walk with Him so badly recently. It symbolizes my dedication and my longing to follow Him despite the dry season I experienced lately. A single touch or a gentle pat from Him goes a long way for me.

Lord, listen to your children

"Lord, listen to your children praying,

Lord, send your Spirit in this place.

Lord, listen to your children praying, send us love, send us power, send us grace!"

When we bow our heads and bend our knees in prayer, God is listening! He is listening!!~~

I started off my day with prayers and blessings from my church's friends. After the service, I took a nice afternoon walk around the neighbourhood. Today's weather is awesome and sunny!!! Took few pictures of the flowers and unknown plants that greeted me throughout the stroll. Despite the different soil and environment they are in, they give their very best looks in this wonderful sunny day. It reminds me on how I should overlook my iniquities and imperfection, and live my life to the fullest each and every day. It took me few awful weeks to learn and allow this truth to sink deeply in my heart. Legalism can very subtle sometimes, it sets unnecessary boundary and bondage in daily life. Recently I tend to think and try my very best to be perfect in all ways in order to gain God's favor and approval. The truth is no matter what we do, good or bad, it will not affect our standing before God. God in his great love, sent His one and only son to die for us on the cross. He crowns us with God's righteousness which comes through faith in Jesus Christ. What a refreshing and good reminder in this special day! We should take conscience effort to prevent legalism from taking root in our lives. It has the power to suffocate and choke our lives if we did not pay attention to it. I am really glad to find out and bring to appreciation how these little imperfections in life has the power to light up and spice up my days! It depends mostly on how you look at imperfection. Ultimately it is also these flaws in lives that allow us to draw closer to God. It is only in the darkest hours that His glory will be the brightest. When we are weak, He is strong; when we are poor, He is rich! What a beautiful paradox in life =) I truly thank God for such a valuable and wonderful relevation in my life, amen!

When evening draws near, Kent and Helen (with the company of Winnie) took me out for dinner. God is faithful yesterday, today and tomorrow. He never cease to provide and meet all my daily need. In fact, he provides abundantly in my life! He continues to pour out His blessings by providing good samaritans along my way. Kent and Helen are definitely one of His blessings to me =) On our way to dinner, God in His grace and mercy colors our journey with a beautiful rainbow. Again, there is no such a coincident except it is divine appointment. Right before we board the car, He send rain amidst the sunshine. There is no sign of rain and it is highly unlikely to rain in 80 fahrenheit . Yet, it rains! What a timely shower from heaven!! It reminds me of Genesis, where God created the heavens and earth. Even now He still reigns. When He said "let there be light," there was light. There is power in His word and He has the final say in all circumstances in life. It is heartening to learn that He is in full control amidst everything that happens, good or bad, God gives and God takes away. (Father, I pray that You will continue to fill my heart with peace in heart, mind and soul which transcends all understanding. Help me to trust You for You are more than sufficient. Help me to seek Your kingdom first, help me to prioritize and centralize my life in You and You alone. Thank you for loved me first while I am still a sinner. I love You oh Lord. Who are we there that You are so mindful of? I can only bow down in adoration)

Father, You know how important this rainbow to me in this season of my life. You know it symbolizes more than Your promises but Your great love to me. You knowsthat I long for Your love, care and touch in my life. You know that I have been waiting for You all day long. You know that it will help to strengthen and build up my faith on You. You know that I need You. You know my struggling in following You. You know my fear, my iniquities and my transgressions. You know no matter how firm and strong one can, the next minute he/she can slip to the bottom of the pit. You know a timely encouraging has the power to transform one's life. I thank God for everything and in everything. I love You Abba Father. I know that You will continue to make me to be who You want me to be. I surrender my whole self to You. Help me to overlook those discomfort/old self that resist good changes. I want to follow You. You called and promised 2ooo year ago to willing hearts, You said "come, and I will make you fishers of men." Heaven and earth may fall apart but Your promises stand. I know You will water, fertilize and nurture this little dream of mine, and in due time it will come to pass. Meanwhile, may You continue to help me run this race with full confident. Help me to stay faithful till the very end. This is my way of returning Your great love. Amen.

The Hardest Thing by Ed Young

2009-03-30T18:59:00.000-07:00

Another piece of good article by Ed Young that I really wish to share with you all.

Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Forgiving someone who has hurt us is one of the hardest things we can do. We'd rather stay leashed up to the resentment like a dog to a fence. Because in our minds, our unforgiveness is paying them back for the pain they caused. But when you refuse to release the leash of unforgiveness and drag that anger through life, you only end up hurting yourself.

It is natural for us to hold on to our wrath because of our sinful nature. The last thing we want to do is forgive.

But that's just what the Bible tells us to do. We're to forgive others as the Lord has forgiven us. When Christ died on the cross for our sins, he was giving us the ultimate forgiveness. He was saying, "My love for you outweighs any wrong thing you have ever done or ever will do to me."

If we're honest with ourselves, we'll realize that we don't have what it takes to truly forgive someone of the wrong they have done to us. That type of power only comes from God. We must learn to open our hearts and allow God to replace our anger with his love. Let God's love transform your heart. Because it is the only way that we can truly forgive someone.

Amen!!~~

Unleash Unforgiveness by Ed young

2009-03-30T18:49:00.000-07:00

1 of my favorite Pastors - Ed Young. Think this is a good article, hope to share with you all =)

Colossians 3:13
Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

When someone hurts you, what is your initial response? If you're like most people, your first thought is that of revenge. The last thing you want to do is forgive them. But when we refuse to forgive others, we are really just placing shackles around our own hands and feet, preventing ourselves from receiving God's supernatural power of forgiveness.

Forgiveness starts with grace. And grace is simply giving someone something they don't deserve. The person who hurt you may not deserve your forgiveness, but we are called to show grace and forgive them just as God did for us.

God sent Christ to die on the cross for our sins so that he could unleash his grace in our lives—something none of us deserves. We need to extend that same grace to those around us as well.

When we finally decide to extend grace and forgiveness, we discover something unbelievable! Every area of our lives—emotionally, relationally, and even physically—benefits. But the most important area of all, our spiritual health, improves as well when we unleash our unforgiveness.

Don't restrict your relationship with God by holding on to the shackles of unforgiveness. Look to his example of forgiveness and learn to release those chains and yourself to experience freedom in your relationship with God and others.

Amen!!~~~

Sing Unto The Lord

2009-03-29T14:55:00.000-07:00

Visited an African-American Church with friends. It is very different indeed =D The whole church is trembles with shout of praises and joyful noises. They (young and old) really pour out their hearts to God! Their joyful voices reach up to the sky! What a bold declaration to the world that Jesus Christ is their savior. Well, I guess it does not matter how the service is been conducted what matters most is we are gather to worship and sing praises to the same LORD - JESUS CHRIST.

Psalm 100

1 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
2 Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the LORD is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Loving above all else

2009-03-28T15:22:00.000-07:00

God's unfailing love statement:

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1 John 3:1
1How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!

1 John 3:16-24
16This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. 17If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? 18Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth. 19This then is how we know that we belong to the truth, and how we set our hearts at rest in his presence 20whenever our hearts condemn us. For God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.

21Dear friends, if our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God 22and receive from him anything we ask, because we obey his commands and do what pleases him. 23And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. 24Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us.

1 John 4:7-21
God's Love and Ours

7Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.

13We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 14And we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son to be the Savior of the world. 15If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God. 16And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. 17In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. 18There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

19We love because he first loved us. 20If anyone says, "I love God," yet hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. 21And he has given us this command: Whoever loves God must also love his brother.

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I decided to state this truth of life before I get carried away and most importantly would like to get this registered and imprinted vividly in our minds. Admit it or not, we all have short-term memory and need to be reminded from time to time. (Well, at least this applies to me =D) I figured as long the soil of our hearts is saturated with Father's great love, we will be transformed inside out! It does not matter how unloving you used to be, what matters most is God is love! I would not say I am a super duper loving person but our God is an able God. Hard core people, complicated situation and difficult problem come and go like the wave that hit the shore and embrace the sea once again. It happens now and then even Jesus Christ our perfect sacrifice is not spared of all these predicament. What is more when we are living in this corrupted and imperfect world! I do not know since when the changes occur but one day I just realized it happens! I realized when I was greeted by ugly side of life, my first response should be praying. (**Special thank to my new found prayer warrior, Stormie Omartian. Currently she is my favourite Christian author. Her power of praying ROCKS!!! ^.^ love it love it **Special thank to my praying partner too who sows this seed of love in me. ** God is so good to me indeed!) Little do I know that the little prayer that I whispered to Your ears has the power to subside ferocious storm that roaring in my heart. Your peace transcends all understanding and human wisdom indeed. You flood my heart with overflowing of comfort and compassion which in turn empowers me to pass it on who needs it.

Matthew 9:12-13

12On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 13But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

I can only bend my knee and bow my head in adoration. (Father, thank you for being so gracious and mercy to me even though I am so imperfect. Thank you for gowning me with tender, passionate affection and equipping me with the garment of love. Thank you for empowering me to look beyond the circumstances and bring me back to the heart of worship. Thank you for not allowing me to wallow in and overwhelm by difficult situations which we totally have no control in. Thank you for humbling me down to lay bare all my shortcomings under your feet. Thank you for reminding me that you are still in full control of every situation. Thank you for reigning in my life. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for enabling me to forgive and overlook others' imperfection. Thank you for open up the eyes of my heart.

Above all, I really thanked and praised God for directing me to take up another wonderful course at Global University - the book of Corinthians. Thank you for breathing in deeper and greater meaning and appreciation of Your word. Thank you for revealing Your truth and way to me. Thank you for sending Paul to us! Thank you for holding me tight and leading me through the darkest hours! Thank you for showing me what love is all about. Because of love, Jesus bended down to wash the feet even of Judas who betrayed Him!)

The more we allow God's word to dwell in our minds and thoughts, the more our hearts become tender and soft of His great love. (Father, I pray that I can continue walk closely with You and become more and more like You with each passing day. Transform me Oh Lord to be the loving servant of one another.) Sooner or later you will realize that those behavioral matters we think are important are really matters of indifference to God - they do not affect our standing with God.

1 Corinthians 9:19-23

19Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. 20To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. 21To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. 22To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. 23I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

Though I can never fully understand how Paul face his each challenging and dilemma day, one thing for sure is he chose to live up to God's calling in his life to the fullest. His single passion - gospel to all people (irregardless of whether they are good or bad in our wordly point of view). Such a righteous act is destined to cause one to be misunderstood. Paul was given the label of compromiser and hypocrite. Who can fathom his deepest longing to save as many as possible? Who can grasp how much he had endure in order to advance the gospel? Who can comprehend how heart wrenching he is to see people walk away from God? Who are we there to judge God's servant? I am grateful to learn that our faithful Father not only spares Paul from lots of persecution, He also frees him from concern over all the misunderstandings he faced. Amen!

Many times we are pretty much like those critics. We judge, we evaluate, we assess and eventually we criticize without knowing the whole truth. (Father, I pray that You will set a guard over my mouth and keep watch over the door of my lips. Help me to quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. No man can tame the tongue which is restless evil, full of deadly poison. Father, I pray that you will season and filter every single word that coming out of my mouth. May they only do good for the listeners. I surrender my tongue fully to You Oh Lord)

My little whispering to Abba, Father:

The more I read Your word, the more I realized I does not yet knows as I ought to know. Teach how height and width Your love is to the world! Coach me how to love and be loved oh Lord. Thank you for saying "the man who loves God is known by God". How great is such promise and how heartening to know that even though the world does not understand our intention, You fully understand. Thank you for once again remind me that it is of no use to win the whole world but to lose our souls for You. Help me to run the race with full confident to win the crown of salvation that will last forever. Amen!

1 Corinthians 13:1-8

1If I speak in the tongues 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, 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

Spiritual Growth

2009-03-22T14:27:00.000-07:00

I took this picture yesterday at Washington park (1 of the recreational parks at my neighborhood where annual Tulips festival takes place around May each year). It is baby tulips that sprout out of the soil after the long-awaited winter ice melted away. Finally winter is officially ended (though the weather is still pretty cool and most of the times still below zero degree).

Simply love this picture because it somehow signifies hope and anticipation towards life that lies ahead. I finds it encouraging, motivating and inspiring simply by looking at this picture. Against all odds (harsh winter environment, lack of sunlight, etc), these baby tulips not only made it to the surface but also held their "heads" up high =D It reminds me of the following verses:

John 15:4
4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

1 Corinthians 3 : 6-7
6 I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 7 So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.

Do you ever wonder how these baby tulips are going to look like in 2 months time? I took the picture below last year at the same venue. The end result is simply breathtaking isn't?

My little whispering to Abba, Father:

Father, I long for greater spiritual growth with each passing days. Teach me how to grow deeper in you and may you provides more helpers along the way to lead me, guide me and teach me how to be more like you. I long to radiant and glow in your glory. Father, may you continue to reveal to me how you want me to build up your ministry of righteousness. Fill my house with Your overflowing and ever lasting of love, joy, happiness and peace. I invite You to dwell and make Your present in my house. Till I think of a suitable name for your dwelling place I shall called this sacred place house of love. Though it is going to be a long journey, with You, everything is possible in due time.

Philippians 1:6

6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Oh Lord Father, may you grant me the same or even greater strength that You provides for the baby tulips to grow victoriously especially in face of adversities. Help me to take root and establish in Your great love. Help me to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge - that You may fill me to the measure of all the fullness of God. Mold me and use me for the expansion of Your kingdom Oh Lord. Help me to build my house of love on Your solid rock. Transform this little hut to great mansion that can withstand all kind of life storms and tumoils in Your perfect timing. Help me to continue to fix my eyes on You alone. May Your will be my will. Amen.

All boiled down to LOVE

2009-03-12T19:37:00.000-07:00

God has many different ways of speaking to His beloved sons and daughters. Sometimes through things that happen, sometimes via people that we meet, sometimes we just happened to listen to or come across certain messages over and over again. Ever since I came to know Him (or to be exact He found me ^.^ thanks and praise Him for that!!! ), I find it hard to believe when people equate such incidents as mere coincident. If it happens once in a blue moon, it is still alright to say so but if it happened over and over again, don’t you agree with me that there must be a perfect author behind that links all these beautiful unions? In other words, it is divine connection instead of mere coincident.

God’s grace and mercy, lately I have been reminded how blessed I am and have a deeper appreciation of what it means by being blessed. (Oh Lord Father, thank you for revealing to me the depth and breadth of blessing You have in stored for everyone who loves You. Father, pardon me (with or without knowing; pure ignorance or do it on purpose) for holding back or gripping too hard on the blessing that You have for me. Father, forgive me for being selfish and self-centered in seeking my own blessing all the times. Thank you for helping me look beyond the surface of seeking for my own interest. Thank you for assisting me to have a better and deeper grasp the real meaning of blessing. Whether I feel it or not (Proverbs 3:5-6 5Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. ), Your promise of my blessing in my life never ceases flowing. In fact, sometimes it tends to overflow! =D I am reminded how we are blessed to be a blessing to others. Apart from seeking for personal blessing, I realized that it is not so much about how much blessing we received. It is more to whether we fulfill God’s purpose in our lives. Do you ever wonder what His ultimate purpose for your life is? Jesus’s death has far deeper meaning. He chose to sacrifice Himself so that we are made righteous in front of God and ultimately we find life. It all boiled down to Love, His perfect love to the world.

2 Samuel 7:28-29 28O Sovereign Lord, you are God! Your words are trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant. 29 Now be pleased to bless the house of your servant, that it may continue forever in your sight; for you, O Sovereign Lord, have spoken, and with your blessing the house of your servant will be blessed forever.

My little whispering to Abba, Father:

I have been imagined to have my own publication one day. Not too sure what kind of book it is going to be, most probably humorous book which will bring joy to the readers and give those heavy hearts a lift. Most importantly, it serves as a mean to introduce You to the world for without You I cannot be who I am today. You deserved all the credits, honor and glory forever. What should I pen down on the preface? Usually I do not pay attention to it but recently I realized how important the preface is. It tells readers how the idea being conceived, the process of carrying it through, when it is in its full-grown, it gives birth to the book. It sounds very much like having a baby isn’t? Even though I have not gone through that phrase of life, I am sure it is a beautiful journey that worth taking. There is so much excitement, anticipation and expectation awaits! Preface also reflects the inner most feeling of the authors. It does not take big words to impress the readers, I think what matters most is the sincerity and honesty of the authors. More often than not, it is those sincere words that sink deeper and reside in the hearts. Father, no matter how high or low I may be in future, may You continue to give me a humble heart to serve You and glorify You. Deep in my heart, I know that You are the ultimate author. It is Your Word that pierces through the inner most of hearts, it is Your light that shine forth in the darkness, it is Your Truth that set the captive free. I look forward to embark on such a beautiful and intimate journey with You. Father, You deserve all the praises, honor and glory. It is Your manifestation and inspiration of Holy Spirit that breath life to the book and man purely pen it down. If You are willing, I am more than happy to be one of Your instrument in the expansion of Your kingdom. Father, I pray that you will season and flavor every single word in the book, may they leave a lasting impact in every receptive hearts. You are my greatest gift in life and I wish to present You as my greatest gift to those still searching and wondering in the wilderness. Father, I place my full trust in You. I know that in due time, this little dream of mine will surely come to pass. Heaven and earth may fall apart, Your promise stand still. Amen

Personality Traits to Enhance Your Christian Life

2009-01-21T16:25:00.000-08:00

Happened to read this in The Shepherd's Guide booklet. Father, I pray that You continue grant me an open, sensitive and humble heart to learn and walk side by side with You. Let Your word sink into my spirit and soul. Those have ears, may You open up their ears to listen; those have eyes, may You allow them to see You.

1. Compassion - the feeling for another's needs that leads to helping that one without expecting anything in return.
Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

2. Courage - the strength from God that enables you to endure any trial or danger.
Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.

3. Forgiveness - the ability to overlook another's weaknesses or mistakes by expressing Christ's love.
Colossians 3:13 - Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

4. Honesty - being free of deceit and fraud, having the quality of being honorable and upright in character and actions.
2 Corinthians 8:21 - For we are taking pains to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord but also in the eyes of men.

5. Obedience - submission to God and to those whom He puts in authority over you.
1 Samuel 15:22 - But Samuel replied: " Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the voice of the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams. "

6. Patience - the ability to accept and remain calm in difficult situations.
Colossians 1:11 - being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and joyfully 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light.

7. Self-control - bringing your body under subjection through instant obedience to the Holy Spirit.
Proverbs 25:28 - Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control.

8. Tolerance - acceptance of other people and their beliefs and actions even when you do not agree with them.
Romans 14:13 - Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way.

9. Purity - keeping yourself uncontaminated from the world, the flesh, and the devil.
Philippians 4:8 - Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me - put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

10. Consistence - not wavering but remaining the same, no matter what the circumstances.
1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

11. Convictions - the developing of firm beliefs, based on Bible principles, which will not change no matter what the circumstances.
Titus 2:12 - It teaches us to say "No" to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, 13 while we wait for the blessed hope - the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

12. Responsibility - the reliability or trustworthiness to do what is expected of you.
Romans 14:12 - So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

13. Reverence - a feeling of deep respect, love, honor, and esteem.
Psalm 89:7 - In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared; he is more awesome than all who surround him.

14. Humility - being meek, modest in spirit, without wrongful pride in yourself or your accomplishments, giving God credit for your achievements.
1 Peter 5:5,6 - Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, " God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. " 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

15. Dependability - being reliable and trustworthy to do what you say you will do.
Luke 14:27 - And anyone who does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.

16. Determination - firm decision not to quit but to go on, regardless of opposition.
Luke 9:62 - Jesus replied, " No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God. "

17. Doing Your Best - putting your whole mind, body, and soul into a task required of you.
Colossians 3:23 - Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

18. Manners - ways of behaving which depict Christian character in your life.
1 Peter 3:8 - Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

19. Initiative - readiness and ability to start a course of action, a quality of being a leader.
Ephesians 5:15, 16 - Be very careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.

Honestly, I can't fulfill any of the above. Thank God that even though we are not perfect and sometimes it is best described as wretch, He is forever perfect. We are made holy because He is holy. With the help of the Holy Spirit everything is possible in due time. He is an able God. Let's continue to run the race with confidence for God is with us. Immanuel. Amen.

He reigns

2009-01-18T12:19:00.000-08:00

It is pretty inspiring to hear Joel Osteen's sermon today. God is speaking to me through him. He say sometimes God allows the current door to close so that He can provide a better open door. He say if the current dream dies off, make another one and move on confidently for God is always with us even when we don't feel His presence!! We should be positive and open-minded about changes that happen now and then. God has the power to transform current mess into a message that will spurr you on. The setback that you are facing right now might be another beautiful setup pre-arranged by God. Hebrews 3:13-14 13But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called Today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness. 14We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end of the confidence we had at first. (Oh Lord father, may you continue to show me and guide me how to be faithful in my walk with You till the very end.) This reminds me of an article titles God always answers prayer by Dr. Robert Schuller.

" When the idea is not right, God says, "No."
No - when the idea is not the best.
No - when the idea is absolutely wrong.
No - when though it may help you, it could create problems for someone else.

When the time is not right, God says, "Slow."
What a catastrophe it would be if God answered every prayer at the snap of
your fingers. Do you know what would happen? God would become your
servant, not your master. Suddenly, God would be working for you instead of
you working for God.

Remember: God's delays are not God's denials. God timing is perfect. Patience
is what we need in prayer.

When you are not right, God says, "Grow."
The selfish person has to grow in unselfishness.
The cautious person must grow courage.
The timid person must grow in confidence.
The dominating person must grow in sensitivity.
The critical person must grow in tolerance.
The negative person must grow in positive attitudes.
The pleasure-seeking person must grow in compassion for suffering people.

When everything is all right, God says, "Go."
Then miracle happens:
A hopeless alcoholic is set free!
A drug addict finds release!
A doubter becomes as a child in his belief.
Diseased tissue responds to treatment, and healing begins.
The door to your dream suddenly swings open and there stands God saying,
"Go!"

God reigns, indeed!! After weeks of struggling with the disappointment of not being able to go for mission as planned, I really thank God for granting me this inner peace and gladness in heart to serve Him irregardless of circumstances that revolving around us. I can tell you, it is not easy to come back to the heart of worship once again. It is not so much about what we want, how we feel, how things happen, it is all about Him and Him alone. Proverbs 16:9 - In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps. The verse might sound simple yet the supremely profound meaning behind how many can grasp? How many is ready to let go and let God be God?

~~Jesus knows best ~~
I don't know about tomorrow
I just live from day to day
And I don't borrow from its sunshine
For its skies may turn to grey.

And I don't worry about my future
For I know what Jesus said
And today he walks beside me
For He knows what lies ahead.

Many things about tomorrow
I don't seem to understand
But I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.

Amen.

A longing fulfilled is sweet to the soul. Let's persevere and continue to run this race with confidence, patience and overflowing of passion.

Against all odds

2009-01-10T20:09:00.000-08:00

I have been wrestling with the thought of mission ever since I passed my first subject at Global Universty ( I truly thank God for His grace, mercy and provision that lead me through the examination. When I am weak, He is strong; when I am poor, He make me rich). The following verse keeps reciting over and over in my head. I find myself indulge in the pursue of going out to the vast field God has created- mission field.

Matthew 9:37 - Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.

Things that used to matter me become insignificant, things that I enjoy most become less prominent. All of sudden, I find myself viewing thing from a totally different window. The scenery outside this window is borderless. It is so magnificient and marvelous that no word can give the full measure of its greatness. My scale of life starts to lean heavily on the other side of the world - a world that I never been, a world that I have no idea with. It sounds pretty similar to the call of Abram (before God rename His to be Abraham - a father of many nations). The instruction is simple, just go to the land that I will show you. Yet the struggle in my heart is great, there seem to be thousand and one reason for me not to go. What a great weight You have placed in my heart!

I start telling my Christ sisters and brothers that I wish to go for short-term mission, where ever that God has prepared a place for me. Days and weeks passed by, even when I am not in tiptop condition to go, even when I am not in my ever-ready, good to go situation, You are going ahead of me. You allow me to peep through the door of China and Domican Republic. At the same time, there is two open doors for mission at the same timing. Both going on April! There is no such wonderful collision and coincident in life except it is from God!

Before I can get over the decision of going for mission, right in front of me is a big T-junction. Each is unique and rich in its own culture. Either path that I choose to take will lead me to a place that I never dreamt of going, a height that I never expect to reach and a journey that I never anticipate to savior.

China - recommended by one of my newly met Christ sister who is staying at Dallas, Texas. She is not able to go with me. If i chose to go, I will have to go with people that I have no idea with. I might have to fly all the way from Albany to Texas alone and go with them from there. This half a globe journey is going to cost me twice the amount I needed compared to relative short journey to Dominican Republic. There are limited places for this trip and currently the vacancies kind of filled unless miracle happens...

Despite the fact that China should not be the choice based on human rational, God say go! Go with gladness and readiness to spread my Words. I will show you that nothing is impossible with me. Take courage! Matthew 21:21 - Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done.even when I say move to the moutain, the moutain will move. Ultimately, it is My name that will be gloried and honored. People around you will have a glimpse of My power and manifestation in You, and they will know that I am the God. (Father, let Your Holy Spirit reign, reign down on me. Create in me a humble and crystal clear heart that purely, solely and wholly for You. Take away all my selfishness and self-centeredness. I surrender all)

I start seeing myself sitting in a vehicle heading towards the place that You want me to be. The view outside the window is breathtaking and the environment inside my heart is flooded with thanksgiving and admiration. The best expression I can give is none other than staring in awe. No wealth and possession in the world is comparable to Your great love. It is far far exceeding anything that I can name of. When no word can express Your great love, I can only bow down in adoration.

Against all odds, I drafted out a letter tittle "HOPE" to ask for donations. Somehow, You keep convince me that it is in the darkest hour that Your light will be brighter and more shining. (Father, I pray that You will continue reveal the beauty, sweetness and satisfaction of following You in me. Unleash Your power and Your will oh Lord father. May You continue to go before me, cover the place that You want me to go with prayers so that whenever I open up my mouth it is You that do the talking, it is Your word that pierce through the inner most of their hearts, it is You that touch and transform lives. Father, I pray that Your seeds will fall on the right soil for You promised that those seeds are going to produce a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown in Your perfect timing. Help me to remain firm and sturdy in You. Help me to understand and accept the fact with full confident that even though I might be the one that water the seeds, it is You who is able to make it grow. Help me not to lose my heart when thing does not go my way and when times are tough. Help me to root and ground deeper in You in face of adversity. Show me how to love You and appreaciate Your love for me.)

** HOPE **

As most of you already knew it is my desire to go for short-term mission if there is a chance. Currently there is an open door to Yunnan, China. In this remote area, there is a group of people who are at the end of their rope, living in despair, discouraged and simply in need of the touch from God. This mission trip is a combined effort of Borger’s Baptist Church and First Chinese Baptist Church of Dallas (FCBC). This coming trip from 2 Apr-11 Apr 09 will be their 6th trip there. The main purpose of this trip is to provide medical care (mainly eye examination and oral examination) to the villagers there. For more information about this mission trip, kindly go to http://www.borgerfbc.org/missions_gallery.html and select "Asia Video June 2008".

Some of you may ask why China? Why must I fly half of the globe to China? Isn’t there a nearer place where I can do the same kind of work, helping those in need? I can’t really give you a specify answer. All I can say is my heart sink and my tear refuse to stop at the very thought of not being able to go there. I can’t wait to transform those sulking faces to smiling faces though I won’t be there for long. I wish to join them leaping in joy and dancing in happiness... for just a moment... will you grant them this opportunity to do so? Will you give them one reason to smile in face of bleak future? Will you allow me to warm their hearts and touch their lives today? May I convey your love, care and concern personally to them? This is how much I wish this little dream of mine can come to pass. I thanked God for placing such a wonderful weight in my heart.

Sometimes I wonder what is the real meaning of life? Finally I got the answer. Deep in my heart, I long to be a hearts lifter, burden carrier and smile collector. I will try my best! ^.^

Shall we give those hearts a lift together? I may not know how much differences I can make, how great the impact is going to be and how many lives I can touch in this 10 day trip. But I promised I will try my very best to bring glimpse of sunshine to everyone that God put in my life.

I can’t do it alone without your generous support. I humbly seek for your help. No amount is too small. Please give as God leads you. Thank you.

His follower,
Agnes Tan

Father, will You grant me this opportunity to sent this letter out in due time?
While waiting for Your perfect timing, may You grant me the serenity to juggle between disappointment and anticipation. Give me the courage to continue walk with You fully by faith and not by sight.

Father, may You never satisfy my hunger, my thirst and my desire to know You more each day. May Your will be my will, Your purpose be my purpose, Your way be my way. I believed one day this burning desire that You have placed in my heart will come to pass.

**God will make a way, where there seems to be no way, He works in ways we cannot see. He will make a way for me** ~~ special thank to Lifang for this sweet and timely encouragement, AMEN!!!!

What Child Is This?

2008-12-25T17:20:00.000-08:00

1 of my favourite Christmas songs is none other than "What Child Is This?"... Don't know why I love this song so much. I only remember when 1 of my church friends sang it during Christmas celebration, my tears kept rolling down my cheeks. Hope you all will love it too =)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=57-e8UuQxGA&feature=related

"What child is this, who, laid to restOn Mary's lap, is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,While shepherds watch are keeping?
This, this is Christ the King,Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:Haste, haste to bring him laud,The Babe, the Son of Mary!
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,Come peasant king to own Him,The King of kings, salvation brings,Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise the song on high,The Virgin sings her lullaby:Joy, joy, for Christ is born,The Babe, the Son of Mary! "

Christmas prayer

2008-12-25T09:07:00.000-08:00

Time flies... I still remembered a couple of weeks ago, me and my friends still enjoying the scenery along a lake fringed with the autumnal beauty of maple, oak, and birch. Right now I found myself totally embraced by the flawless and spotless snow white snow. Before I come to US, it never come across my mind how other people at the other side of the globe live their lives. To me,those white chritmas and flowery foliage only appear in the movie and photoshop editted postcard and wallpapers. (Oh Father, how can I thank you enough to uproot me to a place where I can have a brand new scenery and perspective in life. Thank you for breathing in new life and hope in me... Thank you for making me feel worthy for You say I am worthy... Thank you for being my heaven Father and thank you for giving me such a priviledge to come face to face with You in all situations, calling You "Abba Father". Without You, I am still the innocent girl who is way too caught up in my own tiny little worldly world. I seem to have thousand and one thing to worry about and to make myself busy. Ironically, the more busy I am, the more engaged I am in activities which is not related to You, the more my window about life shrinks. Thank you Lord for revealing Yourself to me, thank you Lord for opening up the eye of my heart and above all thank you for accepting me as Your lost and found child.) It is the exact amazement I have when I first witness my first autum foliage here... I always find myself standing in awe and speechless in front of God's marvelous creation... Not a little too much, not a little too less, it is just enough.. just the right amount to make the whole universe shine with Your glory and heavenly sparkle. Who has such a great mind to dress the wild cherries along the road with transparent ice coat? Who has such a wisdom to add a little icing (white snow) on top of each Christmas tree? Who has such an intelligence mind to pave the road with diamond-like carpet? (if you take a good look at the snow carpetted road, you will realize that the crystal form of snow actually reflects light... it looks like millions of shinning diamonds in the dark ^.^... Girl's imagination~~ God's gift to us... =>) Natural beauty which no artist can portray and no photographer can fully capture.

Finally, I have my first white Christmas here... Not fake snow but real icy cool snow... It is finer than the hand made ice kacang, more white than the artificial white... In this special white Christmas, I wonder what can I give Him who creates heaven and earth... who already owns everything... He gently whispers" Give me your heart"... Oh Lord Father, may You continue to reside in my heart, may You continue to make me to be who You want me to be... In front of You, I can only humbly bow down in adoration. Father, help me to continue to love You with all my heart, my mind and my soul. Deep in my heart I know that You are the light, the way and the truth of life. Though sometimes I may tend to stray away, You bring me back to Your safety net. Though I may stumble, You hold me tight from falling. Though I may slip, You have me in Your palm. Though I may falter, You shelter me in Your wing.

I received an encouragement note from 1 of my friends recently. I knew it is You who places her in my life, who uses Your special way to help me discover the purpose of living in my life.

" In this busy world of ours, some people have a gift for taking time to listen and to care, for making others feel real good and giving hearts a lift... for bringing their own sunshine everywhere. It is really comforting to know there are people like you who are never too busy to make this world of ours a warmer, nicer place. Thanks for all you do, and all you are!"

Amen!!!! Father, I pray that You continue to make me a blessing to everyone surrounds me , a sunshine in gloomy days, a people builder, a hearts lifter, a burden carryer... I pray this in Your strong name. Amen

I need to change inside out

2008-09-25T20:09:00.000-07:00

Phew...finally the big day comes.....I delivered my first sermon tonight...what a long and nervous night I have!! God's timing and plan is always perfect... with God's help, I DID IT!!!!!
Indeed, God always has something in store for those who seeks Him earnestly.....
I made few cards with Bible verse on it....my initial intention is to lift each others up with the Bible verse....I longed to make an impact on the life of others with God's word...Little do I expect that God has special-custom-made notes for me too!!!! Who can fathom God's perfect plan?? I can only bow my head and bend my knee in adoration...

He say:-
1) Psalm 55:22 - Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.

2) God does not call the equipped, He equips the called!!

What an assurance I got from our heavenly Father!!! I am standing in awe....frankly speaking, though the sermon has end for more than an hour, I am still standing in awe....I am still amazed by these great word!!! What can I do to thank you?? What can I do to repay back such a great love?

I feel like yelling out loud, telling everyone how encouraged and inspired I am right now....how God loves me so so so so much....no words can describe His great love and mercy to me....I don't deserve it...I really don't....

Few points that I would like to note down so that I will not forget....I never want to forget...
1) Sincerity - sincerity matters most....Pour out your heart to God and God's people and your sincerity will never go in vain...May everything that coming out of my mouth originates from the bottom of my heart...Father, please grant me a pure and sincere heart for only those pure in heart will see God. I love you, Father.

2) Truth - always speak from the Scripture for it is God's breathes word. Only truth have the power to set us free. Truth convicts all hearts...

3) Worshipping from the heart - there is no specific form of worshipping God...It does not matter how you arrange the chairs at the church, how you conduct the sermon....what matters more is during the time of worshipping, what is the position of your heart? All ways work so long as it is for God. I wish to form my own little congregation one day....I wish sunday sermon to be conducted like family gathering...no hard and fast rules...no differentiation between you and I...everyone can enjoy the sermon with a cup of coffee or tea...coupled with some finger licker finger food would be great too... Pastor Chad reminded me of the early church gathering...I seriously think it is a good way of conducting sermon...so comfortable and relax...

4) In future, if God's willing... I would like to make it a point to including 1 thing/event that happening around the globe in prayer whenever I have a chance to share or give my sermon....Suddenly feel the importance of covering everyone in prayer. Thank you Lord for reminding me not to be ignorant about things that revolving around us. All of us belong to God, we are all God's children. There is so much we can achieve, if everyone is pull together...Oh Lord, may You continue instill unity among your creation.

I pray all these in Your strong name, Amen.

~~Preaching begins on our knees before God~~

God's Righteous Judgment

2008-08-12T18:19:00.000-07:00

Have you ever come across "sand paper man" in your life? They will rub and press on both sides of you to such an extent that breathing in the same space with her/him can be something very taxing and tiring. Honestly speaking I do not know how to deal with this kind of person effectively. (Father, I pray for wisdom, understanding and discernment in this kind of situation) I find it very hard to draw a line between give in to avoid conflict or encourage that person to continue behave that way. One thing for sure is that continuous and long term of giving in will with of without our knowledge build up unspeakable anguish and anger in the heart. One single trigger will ignite the incubated feeling and temper will flare beyond our imagination. Like it or not, deep in our hearts we already give a death sentence to this particular irritant. No matter what he/she does, it is always wrong in our sight. Anger is as cunning as serpent. Without proper management, it will blind your perspective, distort your view, affect your ability to judge and eventually "eat" you up alive. Sooner or later, we will unknowingly promote ourselves as judges of every circumstance. (Father, I am sorry for being so judgmental based on my limited knowledge and restricted resource. I am sorry for always lean so much on my own understanding and feeling. I am sorry to think that I can handle the situation with my own strength. I am sorry that I fail to acknowlege your ability to take full control of every situation. I am sorry to limit your power with my limited thinking.)

Thank you for speak to me in Romans 2:1-4 You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? 4Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance?

What a truth of life indeed! Who are we there to judge when we ourselves are sinners? In other words, we are in no position to judge. Only Jesus Christ who died for us can judge the world righteously. Romans 15:3 - For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me." It is so comforting and promising to learn that God is in full control of the situation. We only need to surrender to Him and acknowlege His just judgment. Romans 12:19 - Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay,"says the Lord.

Father, help me to go and let God. Help me to focus on the situation and not on the person itself. Father, may you provide clear mind and constructive wordings in dealing with all kind of circumstances. Help me to appreciate your creation for everyone is your lovely daughter and son. You never give them up from the very beginning and You will never let them go. Infuse my heart with Your great love today, oh my Lord. Help me to welcome every repentance hearts with open arms. For love covers multitude of trangressions and remember sin no more. Thank you for reveal the story of prodigal son. Teach me how to have such an open and loving heart. I pray this in Your precious name. Amen

~~God searches the inner most of every heart. Every secret is lay bare in front of Him. Help me to hide my sins, my trangression, and my iniquity no more. Give me a pure and clean heart. Purify and sanctify me through and through. It is my desire to follow you daily. Yes, Lord, I am willing to take up my own cross. Send forth your refining fire, help me to file away all the impurities of life. I don't wish to be a Porcupine. In order to protect and defense my self, I have to put on the ugly spines. It not only hurts others but it hurts You the most. Fill me with Your glory and equip me the armor of God to lead a victorious life. In front of You, I can only bow down. I love You, my heavenly Father.~~

Faith

2008-08-08T16:11:00.000-07:00

Hebrews 11:1 - Faith means being sure of the things we hope for and knowing that something is real even if we do not see it.

Happened to read this short paragraph written by Max Lucado (1 of my favourite authors). Sometimes I really can't help but amazed by God's creation. Max Lucado is one of the gifted authors that can read the inner most and finest part of one's heart. He has sensitive and tender heart towards God's whispering. Most importantly he responds to God's call. This reminds of Romans 12:6 - 6 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. I really thanked God for creating such a vast diversity of people with one purpose - to glorify His precious name.

" Faith is trusting what the eye can't see.

Eyes see the prowling lion. Faith sees Daniel's angel.

Eyes see storms. Faith see Noah's rainbow.

Your eyes look in the mirror and see a sinner, a failure, a promise-breaker. But by faith you

look in the mirror and see a robed prodigal bearing the ring of grace on your finger and the kiss

of your Father on your face."

What a beautiful illustration of faith.

My mini version of faith:

"Faith is waking up every morning believing and trusting that this is the day the Lord had make irregardless of what might lie ahead of me. I chose to greet my day with a big smiling face. It is up to us to define our day. If we think it is a good day, it is going to be and vice versa. When thing really go upside down, we still have the courage to thank God for without Him, thing can be from bad to worst. Isn't this reason more than enough to give thank to Him? Man is none other than a breath. Life can be as vulnerable as glass for some and as tough as the bull for the others. God has make them all. There is a reason and purpose for each creation, be it God's children or yet-to-be His children. Do treasure every single one around you. I pray that God will help me to appreciate their presence no matter what kind of people that I come across. Whenver they see me, they (be it sand paper men or nice samaritans) can recognize the little something that You have in store for me - a glimpse of Christ's light that shines in within. Father, I'm sorry that I stumble almost all the times and I thank You for holding me in Your safety palm. Thank You for the free grace and mercy. Thank You for saying that everything is possible. Thank You for saying I will give you rest. Thank You for saying I will direct your steps. Thank You for saying I am able. Thank You for saying I forgive you. Thank Your for saying I will supply all your needs. Thank You for saying I have not given you the spirit of fear. Thank You for saying cast all your cares on me. Thank You for saying I give you wisdom. Thank You for saying I will never leave you or forsake you. Thank you for all the great promises. May You continue to help me anchor deep in You. For You and You alone is worthy and deserve all the praises. Amen.

Simple Life

2008-07-27T19:29:00.000-07:00

An insightful article by Anne Stadler...Title: Singing Lesson n_n""

Do take time off to read =) Happy reading ya ^.^

" I watched the birds outside this early morning.

Already cheerfully going about the business of the day, they woke singing; I woke worrying.

A pronounced contrast in attitudes - - a gentle reminder to be aware of and grateful for my many blessings.

Keep the birds at my window, Lord.

I would like to learn to greet your gift of morning with a song."

This remind me of Psalm 40

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

1 I waited patiently for the LORD; he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the LORD.
4 Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust, who does not look to the proud, to those who turn aside to false gods.
5 Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders you have done. The things you planned for us no one can recount to you; were I to speak and tell of them, they would be too many to declare.

6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but my ears you have pierced; burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require.
7 Then I said, "Here I am, I have come— it is written about me in the scroll.
8 I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart."
9 I proclaim righteousness in the great assembly; I do not seal my lips, as you know, O LORD.

10 I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly.

11 Do not withhold your mercy from me, O LORD; may your love and your truth always protect me.
12 For troubles without number surround me; my sins have overtaken me, and I cannot see. They are more than the hairs of my head, and my heart fails within me.
13 Be pleased, O LORD, to save me; O LORD, come quickly to help me.
14 May all who seek to take my life be put to shame and confusion; may all who desire my ruin be turned back in disgrace.
15 May those who say to me, "Aha! Aha!" be appalled at their own shame.
16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, "The LORD be exalted!"
17 Yet I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer; O my God, do not delay.

Oh Lord, may You help me establish inner simplicity in my life. Help me to get in touch with how You want me to live my life, may you grant me boundless energy to do so. Father, give me a clear mind and may you continue give me a sense of direction and purpose I haven't had before. Help me to enhance my ability to love myself and others and help me create genuine pleasure in every moment of the day. Abba Father, give me a new zest of life and new hope that things can be right in the world.

I want You to be the center of my life. I need You to take charge of every single steps and details in my life. Father, may You became my indwelling Lord, my joy, my peace, my will and understanding, my faith and imagination, my power and zeal, my love and wisdom, my order and strength, my life and ability to let go, my help in every need, the source of my health and prosperity.

"It is the desire, not the circumstances that brings us closer to God. What is important is the driving desire to make the changes you need to make. Until you want to make this change as much as you want to breathe, you will not suceed." - by Eleanor K.Sommer

I like these sentences for they reveal the core of human rebellious nature. Not so much of circumstances in life but a revamped of desire in hearts that look beyond the circumstances. In fact, if our gratitude depends upon what happens to us, life will forever be a series of ups and downs.

The righteous will live by faith. I really thank God for such a divine revelation of truth and live.

Father, hold me tight, see me through and lead me there

2008-05-04T09:46:00.000-07:00

When we make a conscious effort, quieten our hearts, eagerly waiting for, listen intently to God, He speak. He will clearly show you the path for he knew how anxiously we looking forward to what lies ahead. He cares more than anybody else about your future. His word is a lamp for my feet, a light for my path. May God's people say AMEN =)

After much struggles, I finally decided to take up the burden that God put in my heart ever since I came to know Him. It's time for me to take up my own cross and follow him. Today's sermon really pierced through the inner most of my heart. My spirit is so stirred up. We can never know what our future may be but if we chose to take the first step of faith we can be rest assure that God is with us, Immanuel!!! If God is with us, who can against us? It is only by obedience faith that we will able to taste the sweetness of God's plan in us. You will be amazed by the scenery at the other side of the life's path. A little bit of detour, a little bit of shaping, a little bit of refining...He will make you to be who He want you to be.

Our God is an able God. He is able to transform our imperfection to perfection, turn our weakness to strength, change our arrogant to humility...for in all things, God meant it for our own good. Continue to place our full trust in Him and our effort will never go in vain. Certain thing in life which we shouldn't share - - our Love towards God. There is no such thing as half-hearted love, there is no compromise and can never be justified. You will be surprised to learn that the same mouth that praise the Lord on sunday morning also curse his/her neighbour on monday morning. How can there be such an inconsistency in us? It all boils down to the ultimate source - our heart. (Father, I pray that You do a deep work in my heart, purify and sanctify my heart through and through. Give me a pure and sincere heart for only those pure in heart will see God.) Bible clearly tell us that if we break one of the commandments, we are considered breaking them all. Always make a conscious effort to recall bible verses daily. Use bible as the blue print of life and we can never go wrong.

Temptation is very subtle, it can easily slip in and place a stronghold in our lives. Believe it or not, it is simply too good to say no and to resist it even though sometimes we can clearly sense that it is Satan's trick. Temptation comes as an attractive package, nice appearance coupled with wonderful sensation. When you sense that you are unable to resist it, run for lives and seek God's help. Stay out of a situation that is out-of-your-control would be a wise move. It is only by confessing and admitting our iniquity to God that we are allowing God to take full control of the situation. Be hold for God's truth will set us free.

Roman 8:18-30 Future Glory

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will.

More Than Conquerors

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him,who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

Father, help me to persevere in the purpose that You have in me. I don't wish to be a horse or mule which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to You. I wish to draw near closer to You by each passing days. Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from you presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. Be hold, be patience and I believed I will be there...AMEN

Faithfulness

2008-05-03T19:56:00.000-07:00

Father has many different ways to speak to us..sometimes
through a stranger in our lives, via the mouth of our frens, an article, a sermon or our dreams. recently the topic of faithfulness keep surfacing. Father in His grace and mercy guide me to do some soul searching and self checking.

(Father, teach me how to stay faithful to You in every single second of my life. Father, teach me how to stand still and root deep in Your mighty Word. Forgive me for not being able to bring out Your glory and light all the times. Forgive me for not being obedient to Your teaching and walk closely to You. Forgive me for being as little faith as Peter sometimes. Father, it is my desire to follow You and spread Your love. Father, if You are willing, transform me to be a fisher of men in Your perfect timing. I would like to confess certain areas in my life which are not align with Your teaching. Love covers a multitude of sins...God is love...I can only bow down)

Work - Father, help me to work heartily as to the Lord and not to men. Father, teach me how to put my whole mind, body, and soul into my daily task.

Spiritual grow - Father, may you continue to instill consistency and disciplinary in my devotional time. Give me a firm heart that not wavering but remaining the same no matter what the circumstances. Father, may You provide advisors and helpers along the journey of following You. Father, may You provide open door at Global University (http://www.globaluniversity.edu/). I definitely need more opinions and confident in taking up this long awaited challenge. Father, may You give me courage to make this firm decision, grant me determination not to quit but to go on regardless of opposition. 1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abouding int he work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. Deuteronomy 31:6 - Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.

Love life - Father, may you grant me the patience and confidence to wait for the appointed one in my life. Even though it might seem to be a long wait, there might be confusion along the way too. Father, may you help me clear away all the road block and detour for You are faithful and just. One day while standing at a T-junction, your word suddenly appear in my mind. You said " I will be standing in between of you and your mr right. " when both of you meet there will be a cross in between **blushing blushing** To me the cross serves a very important purpose, it signifies the bridge to ever lasting relationship =) I can only bow my head, bend my knee and stand in awe for such a great promise.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18

Do Not Be Yoked With Unbelievers

Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: "I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.""Therefore come out from them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.""I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.

Health - Father, help me to take good care of my whole self for You say our body is God's temple. Father, help me to reorganize my daily schedule. Teach me how to juggle between play hard and rest well. May You provide good digestion for food that go into my stomach. This recalled this though is not very related - "It is not so much about clean or unclean food, it is the good thought that sprout from sincere heart that matters more." hehehe...paiseh still in the process of learning how to potray God's word in a beautiful piece of passage

Father, may you continue grant me a tender and sensitive heart. More often than not, one will continue grow stronger and deeper in You only when You prolong this sense of inadequate and lacking deep in her heart. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Father, may You never satisfy my hunger and quench my thirst towards Your word. I wish to continue digging deeper in You. AMEN

New Creation

2008-04-16T19:01:00.000-07:00

Just had a hair cut recently. Pretty good deal...USD15 @ MasterCut, Crossgates. It is SO MUCH lighter compared to pass few months. Like it or not, it is always after we made some changes then we realized how much the changes are needed. How do we know whether the change is good or bad? Personally, i think that a positive change will bring peace, calm, joy and hope => You will feel so much ease, relax and light-hearted once the decision is made. You won't feel regret or self-doubting. Father, give me a firm heart, help me to place my full trust in whatever (good or bad in wordly concept) that you have planned for me. 1 Thessalonians 5:16 Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. What a wonderful hope that God has for His sons and daughters! Just like any loving parents care for their own flesh and blood. God so loves the world that He gave up His one and only one son to die for us for our sins. A perfect sacrifice for imperfect sinners. Think except God there is no other people in this world that have such an immeasurable love! God is LOVE indeed.

PS: How I wish I can cut down few kilos in near future...hope to see a brand new me...Father, give me the preservance and confidence to do it k?? hehehe...

Christian ways to reduce stress

2008-04-07T19:46:00.000-07:00

Received this forwarded email from my Christ's sister, interesting...do pause a little while to digest ya =) Be Inspired for Jesus Christ is the way!! When things seem to have no way, God is the way...

An Angel says, 'Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.'

1. Pray

2. Go to bed on time.

3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.

4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.

5. Delegate tasks to capable others.

6. Simplify and unclutter your life.

7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)

8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places. 9. Pace yourself.. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.

10. Take one day at a time.

11. Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety . If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.

12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.

13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.

14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.

15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.

16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.

17. Get enough rest.

18. Eat right.

19 Get organized so everything has its place.

20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.

21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.

22. Every day, find time to be alone.

23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.

24. Make friends with Godly people.

25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.

26.. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good 'Thank you Jesus.'

27. Laugh.

28. Laugh some more!

29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.

30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).

31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).

32. Sit on your ego.

33 Talk less; listen more.

34. Slow down.

35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.

36 . Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before.

GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. 'If God is for us, who can be against us?' (Romans 8:31)

Do Not Worry

2008-04-05T21:34:00.000-07:00

As time goes by the same old question appears again and again...What's God's will for my life? How can I contribute my share in God's kingdom? This question have been gripping me ever since I came to know Christ. I am always in the search for the answer. God's timing is always perfect and different from our timing. Father, may you grant me the patience and confidence to take thing one at a time. Father, give me a light heart to treasure the process of unfolding your great love towards me. More often than not, in my frantic search for answer I stumble and miss out the joy of being an obedience servant. Happen to come across wonderful passage by Max Lucado:

"My God, I want to do what you want. Your teachings are in my heart -- Psalm 40:8

Want to know God's will for your life" Then answer this question: What ignites your heart" Forgotten orphans? Untouched nations? The inner city?...Heed the fire within! As a young man I felt the call to preach...I sought the counsel of a minister I admired..." Don't preach." he said, " Unless you have to." As I pondered his words I found my answer:" I have to. If I don't, the fire will consume me." What is the fire that consumes you? "

This reminds of Matthew 6:25-34

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink

; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying cna add a single hour to his life?

And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.

If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ' what shall we eat?' or ' what shall we drink?' or ' what shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. "

Amen ^.^

Real Feast

2008-03-27T20:10:00.000-07:00

Simply thank God for the provision...more than feast at the taste buds but time spend together..=)

Location: Cheesecake Factory at Colonie Centre, Albany

Lunch agenda: Celebration for successful project presentation to management

People: Me ^.^"" + Senior (Brian, in grey) + Boss (Robert, in blue)

Mode of transport: My boss's car

Time: 11am n_n"'

Season: Spring, 27 March 08

Appetizer: FACTORY NACHOS Crisp Tortilla Chips Covered with Melted Cheeses, Guacamole,Sour Cream and Salsa

Main course: GRILLED PORTABELLA ON A BUN A Giant Portabella Mushroom Grilled with Herbs and Served on a Bun with Lettuce, Tomato, Grilled Red Onion, Melted Cheese and Spicy Mayonnaise. Served with Fries - It's MINE!!! ....can't rem what they ordered...whahahahha

Desserts:
(a) CHOCOLATE OREO MUDSLIDE CHEESECAKE Chocolate Oreos Baked in our Creamy Chocolate Cheesecake with a Chocolate-Almond Brownie Crust - It's MINE again!!!! **drooling** (b) WHITE CHOCOLATE RASPBERRY TRUFFLE Creamy Cheesecake Swirled with White Chocolate and Raspberry - My Senior's order
(c) DUTCH APPLE CARAMEL STREUSEL Our Original Cheesecake, Baked Apples, Caramel and Brown Sugar Cinnamon Walnut Streusel - My Boss's order

Total bill: USD 80++

For those interested: http://www.thecheesecakefactory.com/default.asp

Season of harvest for Love's seed

2008-03-24T17:13:00.000-07:00

Courtesy from friends...Praise the LORD ^.^

**2 Corinthians 9:6-8

Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. **

Love is contagious, spread it widely to everyone surrounds you and it will bound back to you in surprise. Keep sowing the seed of love and leave the rest to God to make it grow. Seeds are small yet they are capable of pushing themselves against inches depth of soil to the surface. In God's perfect timing, every single seed grows all the way to the top and radiates its beauty to the fullest. Who can tell that they have been hiding days and nights in the dark before they sprout from the soil? Who can understand the hardship the seeds have to endure in their darkest hours? Who can relate such a beautiful flowers with the tiny little seed? My bible teacher used to say " We can calculate number of seeds in an apple but we can never estimate how many apples can a single seed produces" How true it is! We can never underestimate the power of a seed!! Keep farming the seed of Love and your effort will never go in vain....

Friendship is a blessing

2008-03-20T18:49:00.000-07:00

We chose to take the step of faith together, we chose to step out of our comfort zone and soar together....A promise that made in hearts...
Ready, get set, take off....^.^

It seems that we all slim down together...but getting mature as time goes by...

Would like to dedicate today's blog to all my strat members =) STRAT stands for Sincere + Thanksgiving + Responsibility + Affinity + Tolerance?? *_<

God's grace, we have been here for 2 mths already. Can still remember vividly the first night we landed at Albany. We were welcomed by harsh environment but warm-hearted people. In this short period of time, we went through snow storm and sunny day together. To be exact, we stick through thick and thin. There are simply too many incidents that deeply imprinted in my heart. I don't like to bottle up my feeling because I really feel that if I never say it out, no one can read our minds and the other parties will not know how much we appreciate the friendship. Maybe this have to do with my personality - I am a sentimental person.

I might look "big" external but internal I am very "chicken-hearted". I used to ask them don't have to wait me after work if i happened to work late. Somehow inherit the Chinese culture, try to be polite and don't want to inconvenient others but will be full of joy if the other parties volunteer to do so. However, my view changed after i tried going back home alone once. The feeling is simply horrible especially when the night getting darker and darker with each passing minute! Every single step weights kilos. It is simply the joyous thing to be waited by somebody. I can never forget how heart warming it is to have them waiting for me after a long day of work. No words or pictures can describe their beautiful smiling faces. Simply beyond description! It is the thought that matters! The beauty of friendship is knowing and sensing each other needs even before the other parties put up a request.

With or without notice, we tend to pick up each other's favourite quotes. One day you will just realized that you sound and act like them. The funniest thing is your favourite quote might one day become the other parties' quote =D Sometimes we even come out with our own special language that only you and me know the real meaning behind. **lo-lo** Every little move/action is understandable by each others. To me, communication is not restricted by words, sometimes body languages can convey the message better. So long as whatever we say or do will not stumble others, everything is permissible and viable. (Father, may you grant me the sensitivity and discernment towards other people need. May You guard my heart, my mind and my words, may everything that spring from the bottom of my heart based on Your words alone. Father, give me a pure and sincere heart.)

To me, pure friendship is about putting others' interest first. Treat others like what you expect others to treat you. Give others a helping hand, spare others a listening ear, give others a lift/pat at the shoulder, carry each other burden...the list can go on and on. Those thoughts keep the friendship going on =) (This reminds me of 2 Corinthians 1:3 - Praise to be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God...when we received much blessings from the heaven above, we simply can't keep them to ourselves but to pass it on...This is the cycle and power of love, it never fails.)

When saying thank you is simply not enough to express my gratitude, I can only pray that God will preserve this pure friendship and may our heavenly Father keep them, protect them and be with them in every seasons of their lives. AMEN.

I stand in awe

2008-03-15T07:06:00.000-07:00

I realized one significant changes in me after came to know God~~I learned to take time off from the busy schedule/hectic lifestyle. I am so amazed by God's creations...I thanked God for His provision in this season of life. If it is not because of Him, I am still so caught up in my own little world - day in and day out get carried away by the wave that called BUSY. Busy will block the tenderness of your heart and remove your sensitivity towards life and most importantly towards God. You will become so ignorance towards everything that happens around you.

Every now and then, I will lift up my head to stare at the ever-present stars at the sky, I will stop by along the road to capture natural scenery like trees, cloud, birds and every single creatures on earth. Simply amazed by His perfect creations. I learned to enjoy/treasure every single moment in my life. Whether it is rainy, sunny or even stormy day, I thanked God for providing me strenght and courage to face another day. Nothing too bad can happen because God is in full control. I thanked God for such a healthy changes in me. Amen..

Found this lyrics very beautiful, would like to share with u all..

I Stand In Awe
~~words and music by Mark Altrogge~~

You are beautiful beyond description,

Too marvelous for words,
Too wonderful for comprehension,

Like nothing ever seen or heard.

Who can grasp Your infinite wisdom?

Who can fathom the depths of Your love?

You are beautiful beyond description,Majesty enthroned above.
And I stand, I stand in awe of you.I stand, I stand in awe of You.

Holy God to Whom all praise is due,I stand in awe of You.

God's temple

2008-03-08T14:54:00.000-08:00

It does not matter where we come from, what skin color we have, what language we speak, what we wear, the structure of the building, the infrastructure in the church, the pastor that preach...etc...To me, what matter most is pure and sincere heart that long for God's words. AMEN

Colorful Life

2008-03-08T11:24:00.000-08:00

"Ok, time to embark on the journey of cake making!!!"

Basic ingredient with happy heart - cake mix, water/milk, eggs + my tender LOVE =D

Cake Mix's packing

Would like to dedicate this to STRAT program, tat's y i m here *_< (oh ya, not yet bake de o...)

Nice cake + pretty owner..=P

Day 1: 1st attempt ~~ like valcano ya

Day 2: 2nd attempt ~~ like a fountain

Day 2: 3rd attempt~~ Out of imagination!!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~***************~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you are asked to describe life as a thing, what will you equate life with? Honey (=sweet)? Bitter gourd (=Bitter)? Lemon (= sour)? Chili (spicy)? Hmmm…suddenly feel like life just like a piece of cake..=D

You must be curious why cake and not other thing?? All thanks to my creative and imaginative mind. One day when I woke up, suddenly feel like making a cake. I hardly attempt any cookies/cakes/dishes. But that day I just feel like making a cake that called COLORFUL LIFE. Without hesitation, I bought 2 packets of pre-mixed cake flour from Price Chopper. One is pound cake mix (USD2.19) while the other is lemon super moist cake mix (USD1.69). The process of making is really A PIECE OF CAKE!! n_n’’ simply HEAT, BEAT and BAKE. First heat the oven to 350 F, next beat cake mix, water, oil and eggs, then bake for 30 mins. Within an hour or so, a lovely cake is ready for served. You can choose the size and the shape of your pan, it can be round, rectangular, square or even a heart shape =P whichever that we think the best for the dough. I am so amazed by the end product! Little do I expect to get such a fragrance and nice cake from a mixture of flour, water/milk and eggs. The mixture looks relatively dull and unattractive.

This reminds me of Isaiah 64:8- Yet, O LORD, you are our Father. We are the clay, You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand. Jesus, the creator and all things knows what is best for every single of us. He will take away certain things and add in different flavor in life. His plan and will is perfect. Ultimately, He will file away/refine/purify all the “impurities” or “stain” in life in order to make a perfect pot. Initially the clay might feel very uncomfortable with the shaping and refining process. We just like the clay, whenever thing does not go according to our ways we will complaint and feel upset. Little do we know that without the storms and detours, we cannot be who we are today. We grow stronger and tougher with each passing day. Just like my 3rd cake (2 days made 3 cakes…my new found interest!!!) I actually arrange the slices of orange nicely and I purposely arrange STRAT wording…but guess what?? The end result is so unpredictable..à see photo =P. To me, this is the beauty of life. Things happen for a very good reason. Though we might not be able to see the beauty and wonder right away, so long as we place our full trust in God, His mighty hands will lead us home. He will see us through no matter thick or thin. His grace is sufficient indeed. PRAISE THE LORD ^.^

Forgiveness Is For The Undeserving‏

2008-03-05T04:53:00.000-08:00

Received this forwarded email, interesting and meaningful...=) Would like to share with u all...do spend some time to think and digest ya...^.^

"Matthew 18:2121… “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?”

The Lord’s answer to Peter was simple: Up to seventy times seven. (Matthew 18:22) In other words, all the time!

“Well, Pastor he does not deserve my forgiveness.”

Neither did you deserve God’s. Listen, there is not a single person alive or dead who did not break all 10 of God’s commandments. There is no such thing as a “partial sinner” or “great sinner”. All of us were great sinners when Jesus saved us! And we need to have that revelation because if we know that we are forgiven much, we will love much. (Luke 7:47)

“Pastor, how can you say that I have broken all 10 commandments? I have not committed adultery. I have been true to my wife since the day we were married.”

My friend, Jesus said, “If you lust after a woman in your heart, you have already committed adultery with her.” (Matthew 5:28) That is God’s standard. Man looks outward, but God looks inward. God sees the heart. So everyone has broken all 10 commandments. Everyone is a great sinner.

Now, you are no longer a sinner if you have received Christ as your Saviour — you are now a new creation. But you were a sinner and God forgave all your sins through the death of His Son. You owed God big time, but God forgave you of your huge debt through His Son’s death.

So if someone has wronged you, say this: “I did not deserve God’s forgiveness, but God forgave me through Christ. So I forgive this person also in Jesus’ name.” If you say something like, “He does not deserve it,” it makes no sense. Forgiveness is not for people who deserve it. If they deserve something, then it is punishment. No, forgiveness means that you extend grace. Grace means undeserved favour, like how God extends undeserved favour to you.

If you choose to hold on to bitterness, no one suffers but you. You lose your peace, health and sometimes even your life. It is not worth it! God says to you, “Let go. Forgive them their debts, just as I have forgiven you yours.” Don’t try to do it on your own. Bring the cross of Christ into the situation and you will find the grace to forgive!

God provision

2008-03-04T17:46:00.000-08:00

New York City trip #1

NYC #2

Statue of Liberty

Friendship over the coast...

Brooklyn Bridge

Outside Winter Garden Building

Posing at 1 of the cafe at NYC

Colorful billboards at Broadway

Inside a museum at NYC

In front of ground zero

Grace will lead me home

2008-03-04T16:38:00.000-08:00

Oh Lord, tonight I feel relatively tired...not physically but mentally...some how I miss my hometown and particularly my mum. Happened to see this photo at my sis's friendster. My heart sink when i saw this photo. Mum seems to aged over night. Last week is my mum 68th birthday...my sisters and brothers are there to celebrate her birthday. Can't remember when is the last time i celebrate birthday together with her. This year I am at US while the past few years I was either studying or working at Singapore. Years by years...days by days..I simply missed out the joy of saying "Happy birthday to you MUMMY" How I wish I can be there! Mummy, I MISS YOU SO MUCH!!!! Thank you for being my mum, thank you for loving me so much, thank you for sparing the rod, thank you for giving me the freedom to choose my own life, thank you for bearing with my absence, thank you for staying healthy, thank you for being there all the times, I can never thanked you enough **SOB SOB** (Father, I pray that you grant my mum good health and good life. Lord, may You provide comfort and strength to her during our absense. Lord, I surrender her completely to You. Father, I would like to ask for my mum salvation in Your name. Save her oh Lord.)

She is such a gentle, nice and good mum. Even though she did not receive much education, she can handle life storms much better than anyone else. I can still remember vividly how she face each day with courage when my dad passed away. That was the one and only time I saw her cried so loudly and sadly. I can never imagine how could I take such a big blow in life. I am not sure if I could walk the rest of my life without the company of my the other half. But she did it and did it beautifully. She took over the responsibility of my dad and continue to give moral support to the whole family. She stand still in the face of difficulty period! How great is her Love to us. This reminds of 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. Isn't her love a portrayal of how Jesus love the world? Father, You have started the good works in her and I strongly believed that You will bring that to completion. I will continue and eagerly looking forward to Your mighty hand in her life for only You alone can bring us home. I place all my trust in You. AMEN

Live life to the fullest

2008-03-02T18:53:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine just diagnosed with clogged blood in the brain. No special symptoms prior to the diagnosis. One day he just strucked with seizure, admitted to the hospital and the next minute...the doctor just told him he need a brain operation which will cost him USD100K. He is in his mid 20s, at the beginning of his career and adulthood. It is just the beginning of life...there are so much to do and so much to achieve in this golden age. Life can be so unpredictable at times. When thing seems to be smooth and good, one life storm can break us into pieces. After meeting up with him, the picture of "crying angel" keep appearing in my mind. ( crying angel is a picture of angel shedding tears, angel shouldn't cry isn't? unless he/she is really sad, right?) Feel very sorry for him. There is nothing much we can do for him except praying. (Father, every single one of us is your precious son and daughter, please deliver him from all the sicknesses and illnesses. Father, may you provide strenght and courage for him to face another day. We surrender him in your safety arms. We ask for complete healing in Your Name, AMEN)

This reminds me of my late father. Life come to an end when doctor pronounced that he was in his terminal stage of cancer. How fragile life can be sometimes. People like to hold tight to worldly thing without realizing that what we try to hold on to is not permanent. Nothing is permanent and within our full control. Sometimes we hold on to our wealth, our anger, our pride and miscellaneous things. We tend to making a big fuss over minor incidents. Come to think of it, it is actually pointless and worthless isn't?

Time to let go and let God to take full control of life. Even though we might not know what will happen tomorrow at least we know that Jesus is the one that holding our future. Time to live life to the fullest. There is no turning back in life. When is the last time you encourage/help people surround you? When is the last time you greet someone with a big bright smile? When is the last time you praise somebody? When is the last time you share someone's happiness and bitterness? When is the last time you say " I LOVE YOU" to someone that you really care? When is the last time you admit you fault and not arguing? The joy of following Christ is that He give us a free choice and will. We are still given the full control of our own decision. The difference is we are now become more aware of the consequences of our own act. We are in better position to differentiate what is right and wrong, what is godly and ungodly, what is obedience and disobedience. Father, I pray that you continue to open up the eyes of my heart. May You help me to understand and discern what is from You and what is not from You. Help me to make wise decision daily. May every single step of my life comprise of faith, love and hope. Amen

God is Love

2008-02-20T20:18:00.000-08:00

Picture says it all....

How sweet is God's love...

Speak to build or break??

2008-02-20T19:43:00.000-08:00

Words are shaper than any double-edged sword in the world. Harsh words can pierce through the inner most of hearts and shatter one's pride to pieces. Time may pass but the words will deeply imprinted in one's heart. Sweet words have the same impact in one's life just that the thought of it will leave a smile in one's face. Everyday and everywhere words are needed for communication. Have you ever pause to evaluate or even think of what you have said? Does the wording purely pass on the message or does it in the midst of passsing on message hurt somebody? (Father, I pray that You will help me quick to listen and slow to speak so that I will be able to spread Your words effectively) I found my fren's advice mind boggling and interesting. She said " Always speak with a good purpose, speak to build and not break a person" How true it is. In fact, as God provides more opportunity to meet people from all walks of life this "theory" become more and more practical. You will be so amazed by the results simply by bearing this in mind. Take this as an example, instead of telling that person he/she is not doing a good job, why don't we say it this way - - "XXX, what you have done is good, but if you try to do it this wayl the end result will be perfect!! Thank you so much for the effort." It won't hurt to speak words that will help and build a person's character. Always nurture the seed with care and shower it with love, you will never know how many more seeds can be grow from this single seed that come across your life. Even though it is pretty impossible to change the whole world overnight but at least I can make a difference for this one that is on my palm. Bit by bit and step by step. Every single effort counts! Father, may You continue to make a deep work in my heart, change me through and through, help me to the the Fisher of men according to Your way and will. Father continue to help me farm more good seeds at whatever place that you want me to be. AMEN.

**~~彩虹下的约定。。。。。 Grace is sufficient~~**

~~如鷹展翅上騰 ~~

~~Turning point in life~~

~~我的心啊，你要专心等候神~~

~~Contentment~~

~~Anchor of my soul~~

~~The Cross~~

~~Reveal to me~~

~~Woman's heart~~

~~Answered prayer~~

~~恩典之路Journey of grace and mercy~~

~~祷告~~

~~Do you really know？~~

~~Worth pondering~

~~Run with perseverance~~

~~用心去听~~

~~父母心，孩子情~~

Part 2 - Who Am I?

~~Part 1: When less is more~~

~~母亲节快乐~~

~~彩虹下的约定~~

~~洁净我身，我心，我灵~~

~~The REAL pastor~~

~~全然为你~~

~~信心的路~~

~~The work of potter's hands~~

~~Sacrifice of praise~~

~~My Little Dream Place~~

~~Breakthrough~~

~~Genesis~~

~~The Parable of the Sower~~

~~Wise word from the Lord 难以忘怀的话语~~

~~I can hear God's word in church 教会，一个可以听到神话语的地方~~

~~God never sends you out alone主绝不会让你孤军作战~~

~~Count to Eight (Woe, Be Gone)~~

~~My Struggles are About Him~~

~~Live to give Jesus away~~

~~Baptism testimony~~

~~Faith, Hope and Love~~

~~He calls us by name~~

~~New in town~~

~~I wish you Jesus~~

~~Colorful life~~

~~Love from inside out~~

~~Heart-warming presents!!~~

~~God's rainbow~~

~~The Hardest Thing by Ed Young~~

~~Unleash Unforgiveness by Ed young~~

~~Sing Unto The Lord~~

~~Loving above all else~~

~~Spiritual Growth~~

~~All boiled down to LOVE~~

~~Personality Traits to Enhance Your Christian Life~~

~~He reigns~~

~~Against all odds~~

~~What Child Is This?~~

~~Christmas prayer~~

~~I need to change inside out~~

~~God's Righteous Judgment~~

~~Faith~~

~~Simple Life~~

~~Father, hold me tight, see me through and lead me there~~

~~Faithfulness~~

~~New Creation~~

~~Christian ways to reduce stress~~

~~Do Not Worry~~

~~Real Feast~~

~~Season of harvest for Love's seed~~

~~Friendship is a blessing~~

~~I stand in awe~~

~~God's temple~~

~~Colorful Life~~

~~Forgiveness Is For The Undeserving‏~~

~~God provision~~

~~Grace will lead me home~~

~~Live life to the fullest~~

~~God is Love~~

~~Speak to build or break??~~

彩虹下的约定。。。。。 Grace is sufficient

如鷹展翅上騰

Turning point in life

我的心啊，你要专心等候神

Contentment

Anchor of my soul

The Cross

Reveal to me

Woman's heart

Answered prayer

恩典之路Journey of grace and mercy

祷告

Do you really know？

Run with perseverance

用心去听

父母心，孩子情

Part 1: When less is more

母亲节快乐

彩虹下的约定

洁净我身，我心，我灵

The REAL pastor

全然为你

信心的路

The work of potter's hands

Sacrifice of praise

My Little Dream Place

Breakthrough

Genesis

The Parable of the Sower

Wise word from the Lord 难以忘怀的话语

I can hear God's word in church 教会，一个可以听到神话语的地方

God never sends you out alone主绝不会让你孤军作战

Count to Eight (Woe, Be Gone)

My Struggles are About Him

Live to give Jesus away

Baptism testimony

Faith, Hope and Love

He calls us by name

New in town

I wish you Jesus

Colorful life

Love from inside out

Heart-warming presents!!

God's rainbow

The Hardest Thing by Ed Young

Unleash Unforgiveness by Ed young

Sing Unto The Lord

Loving above all else

Spiritual Growth

All boiled down to LOVE

Personality Traits to Enhance Your Christian Life

He reigns

Against all odds

What Child Is This?

Christmas prayer

I need to change inside out

God's Righteous Judgment

Faith

Simple Life

Father, hold me tight, see me through and lead me there

Faithfulness

New Creation

Christian ways to reduce stress

Do Not Worry

Real Feast

Season of harvest for Love's seed

Friendship is a blessing

I stand in awe

God's temple

Colorful Life

Forgiveness Is For The Undeserving‏

God provision

Grace will lead me home

Live life to the fullest

God is Love

Speak to build or break??