Friday, May 29, 2009

~~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.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

~~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


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

Saturday, May 23, 2009

~~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 ^.^

Thursday, May 14, 2009

~~Love from inside out~~




















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.