~~My Little Dream Place~~

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~~

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~~

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~~

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~~

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~~

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~~

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)~~

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~~

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~~

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~~

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~~

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~~

" 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~~

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~~

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

But I wish you Jesus

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~~

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 ^.^