I just came home from a mission trip to Pontianak. We spend more than half of our waking hours on the bus, traveling through roads with many pot-holes. But it was worth all the efforts because we experience what it was like for God to use ordinary people like us to touch lives with His love.
We had several evangelistic meetings where we shared about God's love and salvation plans through skids, puppet shows and messages. On Saturday, from 8am -4pm we ran a clinic with 2 doctors and many others assisting in registering the patients, measuring their blood pressure, giving them medicines and praying for them that God will heal them. It was an awesome time. About 250 people came to the clinic and they were so grateful to receive free medical treatment. Most of them cannot afford to pay to see a doctor in Indonesia, even at the government hospital. Many have illnesses such as uncontrolled high blood pressure and no one has helped them to understand that they must be on continuous medication to keep it under control. They keep wondering why they are not healed after a course of medication. Our doctors tried their best to explain all this to them and I believe they understand better now and hopefully they will keep on taking their medication.
Many among the patients are malnourished and they were so happy to receive the free vitamins we gave them. We also gave deworming medicine to every child that came to us. We were so glad when we heard that many non-believers were willing to be prayed for by the leaders of the church where we set up clinic. A number of them received Christ as their Saviour and came to the worship service the next day! Glory be to God! It is wonderful to have this partnership with each other and with God for the extension of His Kingdom here on earth!
Our visit to the orphanage was also very fruitful. All 24 orphans there prayed to receive Christ as their Saviour! We gave them Christmas gifts and soft toys and it was so good to see their faces light up when they receive them. We also left a lot of medicines for the the local doctor(who is a member of their church)to prescribe to them whenever necessary. It was so touching when they sang us songs about how their lives have been transformed since they came to the orphanage - how worthless they felt before and how they now know that they are precious in God's sight and they are filled with much joy!
Thursday 6 December 2007
Wednesday 21 November 2007
Freedom
When you have to brake your car at a red light, you may think that the traffic lights are restricting your driving. In actual fact, it is placed there at dangerous junctions to keep you from dangers so that you can truly enjoy the freedom of enjoying your drive along the highway.
The Christian life is much like that. Some people think that there are too many do's and don'ts in the Bible. In reality, God gives us those instructions so that if we follow them, we will be free to enjoy living the abundant life He gives us as His children. It was for freedom that Christ has set us free (Gal.5:1).He has set us free from sin, Satan, the world and death.
The Christian life is much like that. Some people think that there are too many do's and don'ts in the Bible. In reality, God gives us those instructions so that if we follow them, we will be free to enjoy living the abundant life He gives us as His children. It was for freedom that Christ has set us free (Gal.5:1).He has set us free from sin, Satan, the world and death.
Wednesday 14 November 2007
Singing whilst in trouble?
How many of us will even think of singing in times of trouble? Others may very well think we are crazy if we do so. But in Psalm 108, David was in great trouble, being surrounded by enemies and he chose to sing praises to God, instead of complaining or dwelling in fears. He used songs and musical instruments to lift up his faith in God. He focused on the great love of God and His faithfulness. David sang of God's promises of deliverance to those He loved and was lifted up, out of doubts and fears, to trust God to give him victory.
We can tell our hearts to be steadfast, like David did (v.1). We can determine within our hearts that God is worthy of praise and so praise Him whether we feel like it or not. Our knowledge of God's goodness can help us to overcome our negative emotions. They will fall in line if we focus on the Lord, not ourselves nor our circumstances. The more we speak of God's goodness as a reality, the more easily we shall trust Him and we shall begin to see signs of his goodness again in our lives. Glory be to God!
We can tell our hearts to be steadfast, like David did (v.1). We can determine within our hearts that God is worthy of praise and so praise Him whether we feel like it or not. Our knowledge of God's goodness can help us to overcome our negative emotions. They will fall in line if we focus on the Lord, not ourselves nor our circumstances. The more we speak of God's goodness as a reality, the more easily we shall trust Him and we shall begin to see signs of his goodness again in our lives. Glory be to God!
Encouragement
Dante Gabriel Rossetti, the famous 19th-century poet and artist, was once approached by an elderly man. The old fellow had some sketches and drawings that he wanted Rossetti to look at and tell him if they were any good, or if they at least showed potential talent.
Rossetti looked them over carefully. After the first few, he knew that they were worthless, showing not the least sign of artistic talent. But Roseestti was a kind man, and he told the elderly man as gently as possible that the pictures were without much value and showed little talent. He was sorry, but he could not lie to the man.
The visitor was disappointed, but seeemed to expect Rossetti's judgement. He then apologized for taking up Rossetti's time, but would he just look at a few more drawings- these done by a young art student?
Rossetti looked over the second batch of sketches and immediately became enthusiastic over the talent they revealed. "These," he said, "oh, these are good. This young student has great talent. He should be given every help and encouragement in his career as an artist. He has a great future if he will work hard and stick to it."
Rossetti could see that the old fellow was deeply moved. "Who is this fine young artist?" he asked. "Your son?"
"No," said the old man sadly."It is me- 40 years ago. If only I had heard your praise then! For you see, I got discouraged and gave up- too soon."
Quoted from Brian Cavanaugh's The Sower's Seeds
Rossetti looked them over carefully. After the first few, he knew that they were worthless, showing not the least sign of artistic talent. But Roseestti was a kind man, and he told the elderly man as gently as possible that the pictures were without much value and showed little talent. He was sorry, but he could not lie to the man.
The visitor was disappointed, but seeemed to expect Rossetti's judgement. He then apologized for taking up Rossetti's time, but would he just look at a few more drawings- these done by a young art student?
Rossetti looked over the second batch of sketches and immediately became enthusiastic over the talent they revealed. "These," he said, "oh, these are good. This young student has great talent. He should be given every help and encouragement in his career as an artist. He has a great future if he will work hard and stick to it."
Rossetti could see that the old fellow was deeply moved. "Who is this fine young artist?" he asked. "Your son?"
"No," said the old man sadly."It is me- 40 years ago. If only I had heard your praise then! For you see, I got discouraged and gave up- too soon."
Quoted from Brian Cavanaugh's The Sower's Seeds
Monday 12 November 2007
Refusing medical treatment
There is this old man admitted at the Sarawak General Hospital with cancer in his shoulder bones, which has spread to his lungs. He been staying there for the past two weeks and after the various tests, the doctors are in the process of deciding whether to amputate his arm and/or give him chemotherapy. But he is very sure he does not want to have his arm amputated and has decided to leave the hospital without anymore treatment.
I think the old man is wise in choosing to live the last days of his life in his own home where he is most comfortable and where he can be with his family and friends, instead of the hospital which is quite far away from his home. After all, the cancer has spread and there is nothing much that medicine can do to prolong his life significantly. Why should he spend any more of his precious time left, going through a major operation and being ill from the chemotherapy, which may weaken him and prevent him from enjoying the last days of his life? I am glad that he has determined to go home against medical advice. I just hope that he will not have to suffer too much pain during the last days of his life. May he take comfort in the company of his loved ones and may he find peace with God!
I think the old man is wise in choosing to live the last days of his life in his own home where he is most comfortable and where he can be with his family and friends, instead of the hospital which is quite far away from his home. After all, the cancer has spread and there is nothing much that medicine can do to prolong his life significantly. Why should he spend any more of his precious time left, going through a major operation and being ill from the chemotherapy, which may weaken him and prevent him from enjoying the last days of his life? I am glad that he has determined to go home against medical advice. I just hope that he will not have to suffer too much pain during the last days of his life. May he take comfort in the company of his loved ones and may he find peace with God!
Thursday 8 November 2007
Enjoy Life!
God has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his toil - this is the gift of God. Ecclesiastes 3:10-13
When we are going through tough times, it is hard to see any beauty in it. But often in hind-sight, we can appreciate the beauty God wants to bring out of it. God is All-powerful and we must believe He can bring good out of every situation as He has promised in Romans 8:28. May God open our eyes to see the good that He is working out in our lives so that we can always be thankful to Him. There is life beyond the grave and even those who claim that there is no God, have fears in their hearts during their dying moments, knowing deep within themselves that they are going to meet their Maker. Indeed there are many things in life which we do not understand but we can always choose to trust in the goodness and wisdom of God. So,let us enjoy all the things God has given us - food and drinks and job - and be satisfied!!!
When we are going through tough times, it is hard to see any beauty in it. But often in hind-sight, we can appreciate the beauty God wants to bring out of it. God is All-powerful and we must believe He can bring good out of every situation as He has promised in Romans 8:28. May God open our eyes to see the good that He is working out in our lives so that we can always be thankful to Him. There is life beyond the grave and even those who claim that there is no God, have fears in their hearts during their dying moments, knowing deep within themselves that they are going to meet their Maker. Indeed there are many things in life which we do not understand but we can always choose to trust in the goodness and wisdom of God. So,let us enjoy all the things God has given us - food and drinks and job - and be satisfied!!!
Wednesday 7 November 2007
O the brevity of life!
Someone once said that if one is diagnosed with cancer, it is like one is given a death sentence. Is it true? There is the worry that after going through the whole regiment of medical treatment, the cancer cells may be lurking somewhere in the body, waiting to strike you again, just when you think the worst if over.
But I have been thinking about this and this thought keeps recurring in my mind. All of us, even those of us who are healthy, do not know if we will still be alive tomorrow. Any accident can occur any time and at any place and one's life on earth is over and one has to meet His Maker, whether one is ready or not.
Ecclesiastes 12:6,7 says : Remember God - before the silver cord is severed or the golden bowl is broken; before the pitcher is shattered at the spring, or the wheel broken at the well and the dust returns to the ground it came from and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
This passage has a special place in my heart. A few years ago, I was talking to a 80-year old Indian man at a dinner function and he told me that his prayer to God in his old age is that God will not mind if he forgets about God and just leisurely pursue some hobbies. That night, God turned my attention to the above passage and I was struck by God's answer to what that man said. God says,"No, you shall not forget about me in your old age. In fact, as your life winds down, you must REMEMBER ME because you are going to return to me." I wrote out this passage and gave it to that old gentleman the next morning and he was so awed by God's answer.
A close friend of mine has been diagnosed with breast cancer a few months ago and has gone through a mastectomy to remove the affected breast. Then she was given chemotherapy. Two days later, she suddenly felt dizzy and became unconscious. An ambulance was called to take her to the hospital. The doctors said that she had a very rare reaction to one of the drugs given in the chemotherapy. After 20 hours, she regained consciousness and she is ever so thankful to God for giving her a second chance to live. I just spoke to her on the phone and she told me that we must appreciate that we are alive today. She has discovered that focusing on the fact that her life is in God's hand helps her to cope with her fears, anxieties and depression. Here is a fine example of a dear sister choosing to trust God with her life and refusing to be overwhelmed with fears and depression during this time of sickness. She has decided to be thankful to God for the life she now has and is glad that God has strenghtened her to be able to serve her family again.
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.Ecclesiastes 9:10
But I have been thinking about this and this thought keeps recurring in my mind. All of us, even those of us who are healthy, do not know if we will still be alive tomorrow. Any accident can occur any time and at any place and one's life on earth is over and one has to meet His Maker, whether one is ready or not.
Ecclesiastes 12:6,7 says : Remember God - before the silver cord is severed or the golden bowl is broken; before the pitcher is shattered at the spring, or the wheel broken at the well and the dust returns to the ground it came from and the spirit returns to God who gave it.
This passage has a special place in my heart. A few years ago, I was talking to a 80-year old Indian man at a dinner function and he told me that his prayer to God in his old age is that God will not mind if he forgets about God and just leisurely pursue some hobbies. That night, God turned my attention to the above passage and I was struck by God's answer to what that man said. God says,"No, you shall not forget about me in your old age. In fact, as your life winds down, you must REMEMBER ME because you are going to return to me." I wrote out this passage and gave it to that old gentleman the next morning and he was so awed by God's answer.
A close friend of mine has been diagnosed with breast cancer a few months ago and has gone through a mastectomy to remove the affected breast. Then she was given chemotherapy. Two days later, she suddenly felt dizzy and became unconscious. An ambulance was called to take her to the hospital. The doctors said that she had a very rare reaction to one of the drugs given in the chemotherapy. After 20 hours, she regained consciousness and she is ever so thankful to God for giving her a second chance to live. I just spoke to her on the phone and she told me that we must appreciate that we are alive today. She has discovered that focusing on the fact that her life is in God's hand helps her to cope with her fears, anxieties and depression. Here is a fine example of a dear sister choosing to trust God with her life and refusing to be overwhelmed with fears and depression during this time of sickness. She has decided to be thankful to God for the life she now has and is glad that God has strenghtened her to be able to serve her family again.
Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for in the grave, where you are going, there is neither working nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom.Ecclesiastes 9:10
Monday 5 November 2007
Eternally Grateful
Praise the Lord, O my soul;
All my inmost being, praise His holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all his benefits-
Who forgives all your sins
And heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from the pit
And crowns you with love and compassion,
Who satisfies your desires with good things
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
He made known His ways to His people.
He does not treat us as our sins deserve,
For as high as the heavens are above the earth
So great is His love for those whoe fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103
O Lord God, I am so awed by all You have done for me! I really do not deserve all the kindness You have been showing to me. Indeed I can testify that you constantly satisfy my desires with good things. You have given me a wonderful husband and four lovely children. You have supplied me with a comfortable home and enough finances for my children's education. You give me plenty of time to do things I enjoy, especially because you have supplied me with a good domestic helper. You have placed into my life many caring friends whom I can laugh and cry with. You have indeed blessed my life so much that I am etenally indebted to You. I give you my heart in return. Take me, I am Yours.
All my inmost being, praise His holy name.
Praise the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all his benefits-
Who forgives all your sins
And heals all your diseases,
Who redeems your life from the pit
And crowns you with love and compassion,
Who satisfies your desires with good things
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle's.
He made known His ways to His people.
He does not treat us as our sins deserve,
For as high as the heavens are above the earth
So great is His love for those whoe fear Him;
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Psalm 103
O Lord God, I am so awed by all You have done for me! I really do not deserve all the kindness You have been showing to me. Indeed I can testify that you constantly satisfy my desires with good things. You have given me a wonderful husband and four lovely children. You have supplied me with a comfortable home and enough finances for my children's education. You give me plenty of time to do things I enjoy, especially because you have supplied me with a good domestic helper. You have placed into my life many caring friends whom I can laugh and cry with. You have indeed blessed my life so much that I am etenally indebted to You. I give you my heart in return. Take me, I am Yours.
Thursday 1 November 2007
Prayer of rededication
Dearest Lord God,
Today is the first day of November 2007 and I thank you for the beginning of a new month. I recommit myself to serving You whole-heartedly throughout this month. I want to submit my will to Your will and I surrender all my rights to You. All I have is Yours, use them as You please. I want to seek Your heart - to know and feel your heartaches and pains as well as your joys and pleasures.
The reading of Psalm 100 today encourages me to shout for joy to You, Lord and worship You with gladness. I am to come before You with joyful songs. Lord, please sustain my joy in You, even when my hormonal levels are abnormal or when I am tired. I want to know that You are GOD - in control of all, throughout my experiences today and everyday. I am so glad that I am Yours because You made me! Thank You for being so good to me and for loving me so faithfully and unendingly.
Today is the first day of November 2007 and I thank you for the beginning of a new month. I recommit myself to serving You whole-heartedly throughout this month. I want to submit my will to Your will and I surrender all my rights to You. All I have is Yours, use them as You please. I want to seek Your heart - to know and feel your heartaches and pains as well as your joys and pleasures.
The reading of Psalm 100 today encourages me to shout for joy to You, Lord and worship You with gladness. I am to come before You with joyful songs. Lord, please sustain my joy in You, even when my hormonal levels are abnormal or when I am tired. I want to know that You are GOD - in control of all, throughout my experiences today and everyday. I am so glad that I am Yours because You made me! Thank You for being so good to me and for loving me so faithfully and unendingly.
Friday 26 October 2007
Spiritual Formation Group
I was part of a spiritual formation group which was formed 5 years ago. There are 4 of us in that group and we spent a few months together, meeting once every two weeks with the aim of encouraging each other in developing spiritual disciplines in our lives. We had the loveliest time as we studied the Bible, shared, cried and prayed together, with a book on spiritual formation as our guide.
When we completed all the topics on spiritual formation in that book, we decided not to meet regularly any more because of other commitments to our various churches. Two of us started new spiritual formation groups with other ladies in our churches.
The original group of 4 met again today for lunch. We have not met as a group for two years and it was really wonderful to catch up on how each of us is growing in the Lord and what are some of the struggles in our lives. There have been joys and sorrows, triumphs and heartaches. I shared about how happy I am now, after going through months of fatigue and low esteem. I also shared about my new volunteer work with Salvation Army and patients at Sarawak General Hospital. Another sister encouraged us with reports of how God ministered to her through a prayer retreat and then told her to organize two other prayer retreats in her church. Lives have been transformed during the prayer retreats as they encountered God at a deeper dimension.
Others also shared about concerns in their church life which they want us to pray about. So we ended with a time of praying for God to intervene and bring breakthroughs in the difficult situations that we talked about.
It was altogether an uplifting time for all of us. I hope I do not have to wait another two years before we get to meet again!
When we completed all the topics on spiritual formation in that book, we decided not to meet regularly any more because of other commitments to our various churches. Two of us started new spiritual formation groups with other ladies in our churches.
The original group of 4 met again today for lunch. We have not met as a group for two years and it was really wonderful to catch up on how each of us is growing in the Lord and what are some of the struggles in our lives. There have been joys and sorrows, triumphs and heartaches. I shared about how happy I am now, after going through months of fatigue and low esteem. I also shared about my new volunteer work with Salvation Army and patients at Sarawak General Hospital. Another sister encouraged us with reports of how God ministered to her through a prayer retreat and then told her to organize two other prayer retreats in her church. Lives have been transformed during the prayer retreats as they encountered God at a deeper dimension.
Others also shared about concerns in their church life which they want us to pray about. So we ended with a time of praying for God to intervene and bring breakthroughs in the difficult situations that we talked about.
It was altogether an uplifting time for all of us. I hope I do not have to wait another two years before we get to meet again!
Sunday 21 October 2007
Coping with Mother-in-law
My mother-in-law stays with us and sometimes it is very trying! Just this morning, at 5 am , she told me she had severe pain in her back and that she cannot move her neck. Her facial expression was full of anguish and she kept saying how excruciating her pain was. She said she has not slept all night because of her pain. I volunteered to wake my husband up to see to her (he is an orthopaedic surgeon). But she told me to wait till he woke up on his own.
As soon as the alarm went off and my husband stirred, I told him about his mother. Immediately after he saw her, he knew the pain was due to her old problem of backache which was a result of normal wear and tear. He told her that but she did not believe him at first and insisted that he examine her. I told my husband to oblige her because I knew she needed the human touch and some compassion. So he touched the bones on her back and gave her the same diagnosis. He also told her to take the pain-killer which he had supplied her. Amazingly, she coped with her pain much better even before she took any pain-kiiler!!!
Later, I asked my husband if her pain was severe. He said that it should not be very severe. With this knowledge, I can feel more at peace if I do not give too much attention to her backache and if I do not believe her when she says that she is dying due to the pain.
Actually I am less alarmed this time around because of a previous episode when I had to send her to the emergency room of a hospital because she told me she could not breathe and that she was very sick. After a whole battery of tests, she was diagnosed with lung infection and sent home with antibiotics. The amazing thing is that even before my mother-in-law took any of the antibiotics, she was perfectly well again and she was breathing normally again! I have learnt to take what she says with a pinch of salt.
As I think through this, I think that people like my mother-in-law are probably very insecure and sometimes they have to feign sickness or exaggerate their pain so as to get the attention they need and to feel that others care about them. My prayer is that God will fill me with His unconditional love for my mother-in-law and to show love and concern often enough that she does not need to feign any sickness to get attention. My human nature wants to turn away and let her be and not be fooled by her pretences. But I must allow God to touch her with His love through my acts of kindness towards her. God must increase and I must decrease!
As soon as the alarm went off and my husband stirred, I told him about his mother. Immediately after he saw her, he knew the pain was due to her old problem of backache which was a result of normal wear and tear. He told her that but she did not believe him at first and insisted that he examine her. I told my husband to oblige her because I knew she needed the human touch and some compassion. So he touched the bones on her back and gave her the same diagnosis. He also told her to take the pain-killer which he had supplied her. Amazingly, she coped with her pain much better even before she took any pain-kiiler!!!
Later, I asked my husband if her pain was severe. He said that it should not be very severe. With this knowledge, I can feel more at peace if I do not give too much attention to her backache and if I do not believe her when she says that she is dying due to the pain.
Actually I am less alarmed this time around because of a previous episode when I had to send her to the emergency room of a hospital because she told me she could not breathe and that she was very sick. After a whole battery of tests, she was diagnosed with lung infection and sent home with antibiotics. The amazing thing is that even before my mother-in-law took any of the antibiotics, she was perfectly well again and she was breathing normally again! I have learnt to take what she says with a pinch of salt.
As I think through this, I think that people like my mother-in-law are probably very insecure and sometimes they have to feign sickness or exaggerate their pain so as to get the attention they need and to feel that others care about them. My prayer is that God will fill me with His unconditional love for my mother-in-law and to show love and concern often enough that she does not need to feign any sickness to get attention. My human nature wants to turn away and let her be and not be fooled by her pretences. But I must allow God to touch her with His love through my acts of kindness towards her. God must increase and I must decrease!
Fear not!
This morning I heard a very good sermon on Isaiah 43:1-3.
I was told there are 365 "Fear not"s in the Bible, one for each day of the year. God really wants us not to fear at all. The reasons we do not need to fear are as follows:
1. God has an investment in us. Isa 43:1 says "Fear not, for I have redeemed you."
Redeem here is a banker term meaning to pay a certain amount of money to get the
title to a certain property from the bank. Often the value of that property
depends on the amount of money paid to redeem it. God has redeemed us with a very
high price - the life of His Son Jesus Christ. We are precious to Him and He will
always protect us because He has already invested so much in us!
2. God knows us. Isa 43:1 says "Fear not....for I have summoned you by name". God
knows each of us by name, even though there are 6 billion of us!
3. We belong to God. Isa 43:1 says "Fear not....you are mine." God will take good
care of us because we are His and we belong to Him forever.
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.
And when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isa43:2-3
The waters, rivers and fire here refer to the trials, troubles, testing and temptations that we face in our lives. In all of them, we need not fear because we have God!!!!
I was told there are 365 "Fear not"s in the Bible, one for each day of the year. God really wants us not to fear at all. The reasons we do not need to fear are as follows:
1. God has an investment in us. Isa 43:1 says "Fear not, for I have redeemed you."
Redeem here is a banker term meaning to pay a certain amount of money to get the
title to a certain property from the bank. Often the value of that property
depends on the amount of money paid to redeem it. God has redeemed us with a very
high price - the life of His Son Jesus Christ. We are precious to Him and He will
always protect us because He has already invested so much in us!
2. God knows us. Isa 43:1 says "Fear not....for I have summoned you by name". God
knows each of us by name, even though there are 6 billion of us!
3. We belong to God. Isa 43:1 says "Fear not....you are mine." God will take good
care of us because we are His and we belong to Him forever.
"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.
And when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Isa43:2-3
The waters, rivers and fire here refer to the trials, troubles, testing and temptations that we face in our lives. In all of them, we need not fear because we have God!!!!
Time Wasters
Here is a list of the most popular time wasters quoted from the book "The Time Trap":
1. attempting too much at once
2. unrealistic time estimates
3. procrastinating
4. lack of specific priorities
5. failure to listen well
6. doing it myself- failure to delegate
7. unable to say no
8. perfectionism- focusing on needless details
9. lack of organization
10. failure to write it down
11. reluctance to get started
12. absence of self-appointed deadlines
13. not doing first things first.
1. attempting too much at once
2. unrealistic time estimates
3. procrastinating
4. lack of specific priorities
5. failure to listen well
6. doing it myself- failure to delegate
7. unable to say no
8. perfectionism- focusing on needless details
9. lack of organization
10. failure to write it down
11. reluctance to get started
12. absence of self-appointed deadlines
13. not doing first things first.
Wednesday 17 October 2007
A Persian Proverb
There is a Persian proverb which goes like this :
He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool; shun him.
He who knows not, and knows that he knows not, is a child; teach him.
He who knows, and knows not that he knows, is asleep; wake him.
He who knows, and knows that he knows, is wise; follow him.
These four groups of people are everywhere around us and we need discerment to know who to shun, teach, awaken or follow. We need to read character with skill and accuracy.
James encourages any of us who lack wisdom to ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault (James 1:5). We should also go the Word of God, for "His commands make me wiser than my enemies", and it gives us insight and understanding if we meditate on it and obey it(Psalm 119:98-100).
Jesus urges us to pursue the discerment or interpretation of the present times and the wisdom to think of what to do before it is too late (Lk.12:54-57).
We have received the Spirit of God so that we may understand what God has freely given us (1Cor2:12). God has given us the mind of Christ (1Cor 2:16). Let us learn to use it regularly!!!
He who knows not, and knows not that he knows not, is a fool; shun him.
He who knows not, and knows that he knows not, is a child; teach him.
He who knows, and knows not that he knows, is asleep; wake him.
He who knows, and knows that he knows, is wise; follow him.
These four groups of people are everywhere around us and we need discerment to know who to shun, teach, awaken or follow. We need to read character with skill and accuracy.
James encourages any of us who lack wisdom to ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault (James 1:5). We should also go the Word of God, for "His commands make me wiser than my enemies", and it gives us insight and understanding if we meditate on it and obey it(Psalm 119:98-100).
Jesus urges us to pursue the discerment or interpretation of the present times and the wisdom to think of what to do before it is too late (Lk.12:54-57).
We have received the Spirit of God so that we may understand what God has freely given us (1Cor2:12). God has given us the mind of Christ (1Cor 2:16). Let us learn to use it regularly!!!
Tuesday 16 October 2007
Hari Raya
It is Hari Raya Aidilfitri ! Over the last few days, my husband and I went to the open houses of our Muslim friends and colleagues. It was a wonderful occasion to meet up with friends. For some of them, we see them only once a year at this time of the year. It is good to renew our friendship ties and catch up on what is happening in each other's lives. The food we were served were very good : lemang, rendang, nasi kerabu, kuih lapis, cheese cake, cookies, etc. Yummy!!!
I wonder how many Christians make it a point to visit our Muslim friends during Hari Raya Aidilfitri. It is very kind of them to invite us to their open houses and we must be kind enough to visit them. Moreover, it is a very natural way to build bridges and it helps us to better understand one another. It is an opportunity for us to enter their homes and see their families and their way of life. Through our conversations, we can also learn of any needs in the family and we can offer to help them in some way. Several years ago, my husband and I visited a colleague of mine during Hari Raya Aidilfitri and found out that she has a severely handicapped brother whom my husband was able to help later at the Sarawak General Hospital.
This year, during the Hari Raya visitations, we found out that one of our friends is going to Korea for a year to train in a sub-specialty. His wife and children will not be going with him because his wife cannot leave her dental practice here. With this in mind, we hope we can help them in some ways when the husband is away in Korea. Another colleague has a very talented wife who has painted lovely pictures but was not able to sell them even though she has held exhibitions. I hope to help introduce her batik paintings to my friends who may want to purchase them.
May the love of our Lord Jesus flow through us as we show that we care for others!!!
I wonder how many Christians make it a point to visit our Muslim friends during Hari Raya Aidilfitri. It is very kind of them to invite us to their open houses and we must be kind enough to visit them. Moreover, it is a very natural way to build bridges and it helps us to better understand one another. It is an opportunity for us to enter their homes and see their families and their way of life. Through our conversations, we can also learn of any needs in the family and we can offer to help them in some way. Several years ago, my husband and I visited a colleague of mine during Hari Raya Aidilfitri and found out that she has a severely handicapped brother whom my husband was able to help later at the Sarawak General Hospital.
This year, during the Hari Raya visitations, we found out that one of our friends is going to Korea for a year to train in a sub-specialty. His wife and children will not be going with him because his wife cannot leave her dental practice here. With this in mind, we hope we can help them in some ways when the husband is away in Korea. Another colleague has a very talented wife who has painted lovely pictures but was not able to sell them even though she has held exhibitions. I hope to help introduce her batik paintings to my friends who may want to purchase them.
May the love of our Lord Jesus flow through us as we show that we care for others!!!
Friday 12 October 2007
God knows us better than we know ourselves!
Last night my home fellowship met and we had a very encouraging bible study on the first six verses of Psalm 139.
The Lord declares that He has searched us, He has dug deep into us and He knows us. He knows all about our routine daily activities - sitting and rising - even things we do not think about when we do them. Sometimes we get so bored with our routine life that we want to quit it if possible. But often we just have to carry on, especially as a bread-winner for a family. Even jobs at the highest level, as Chief Executive Officer, as an astronaut, or as a surgeon with a sub-specialty which only he has in the whole of Borneo, there are still mundane daily things that need to be done. Our Comfort is that God knows them all and He will be with us in each and every thing we do, no matter how many times we have to do it all over again.
God perceives our thoughts from afar. He even understands the motive behind our every thought!!!Sometimes we ourselves do not know why we have a certain thought, but God knows why.
Our Lord is familiar with all our ways. We will not surprise Him in any way for He is so well acquainted with the way we do things. After all, He created us, didn't He?
Before we even speak a word, God already knows it completely. For those of us who are tongue-tight, it is comforting to know that God knows each word we are going to say and even the effects it will have on the listeners. So, relax! For those of us who talk so much and talk so fast that sometimes we do not even know what we have just said, remember that God knows!
Our Lord God hems us in, behind and before. He is all around us, protecting us thoroughly. He knows our past and our future and His hand of blessings and protection is upon us. How secured we are in the ever-present, ever-knowing God!!!
Isn't such knowledge simply too wonderful!!!
The Lord declares that He has searched us, He has dug deep into us and He knows us. He knows all about our routine daily activities - sitting and rising - even things we do not think about when we do them. Sometimes we get so bored with our routine life that we want to quit it if possible. But often we just have to carry on, especially as a bread-winner for a family. Even jobs at the highest level, as Chief Executive Officer, as an astronaut, or as a surgeon with a sub-specialty which only he has in the whole of Borneo, there are still mundane daily things that need to be done. Our Comfort is that God knows them all and He will be with us in each and every thing we do, no matter how many times we have to do it all over again.
God perceives our thoughts from afar. He even understands the motive behind our every thought!!!Sometimes we ourselves do not know why we have a certain thought, but God knows why.
Our Lord is familiar with all our ways. We will not surprise Him in any way for He is so well acquainted with the way we do things. After all, He created us, didn't He?
Before we even speak a word, God already knows it completely. For those of us who are tongue-tight, it is comforting to know that God knows each word we are going to say and even the effects it will have on the listeners. So, relax! For those of us who talk so much and talk so fast that sometimes we do not even know what we have just said, remember that God knows!
Our Lord God hems us in, behind and before. He is all around us, protecting us thoroughly. He knows our past and our future and His hand of blessings and protection is upon us. How secured we are in the ever-present, ever-knowing God!!!
Isn't such knowledge simply too wonderful!!!
Wednesday 10 October 2007
Spiritual Gifts2
The ladies' fellowship I attend is doing a series of bible study on service to the Lord! Yesterday we were studying the spiritual gifts and how to use them to build up the Church.
One sister said her spiritual gift is in dreaming dreams and she gave us examples of how God has given her dreams and how they became reality. One example was the dream she had on the last day of her daughters' examinations- the eldest was taking STPM and the second was taking SPM. She dreamt of two eaglets flying and later the Lord told her it was about her daughters flying away for their further studies. True enough, both her daughters flew off for their studies after receiving scholarships. Then she shared that she had a strange dream yesterday morning. She dreamt of another sister in that group going to Kuala Lumpur to meet her husband who has passed away 3 years ago. She does not know what that dream means yet but that particular sister has written down the details of that dream and will be watching to see what it means.
Another sister shared that her gift from the Lord is the ability to listen well. Recently, on a tour to South Korea, she shared a room with someone who confided a lot of things with her. She is also attending a counselling course to help her in her volunteer work as a telephone counsellor with Women For Women Society. I think it is marvellous for her to sharpen her skills in an area she knows she is gifted in and to seek to help others who can benefit from her gifting.
There was yet another sister who shared about her gift in prophesying. She shared about how she was under spiritual attack when she exercised that gift and she suffered shoulder and neck pains and very heavy menstrual flow which caused her to be anaemic.Three days ago, as she spent time with the Lord, the Word oF God ministered to her and assured her of God's healing and taking away her pains. Actually, last Sunday, during the worship service, she prophesied and as she did that, a lady in the congregtion cried out loud and fell down, trembling all over. She was crying, "Lord, forgive me, forgive me!" . Then she started to speak in tongues for quite a while before a group of intercessors brought her to another room to minister to her. During this time, many in the congregation felt the Presence of God strongly and were much encouraged in their faith.
May we all faithfully use the gifts God has given us so that the Church can be built up and the Kingdom of God can be extended!!!
One sister said her spiritual gift is in dreaming dreams and she gave us examples of how God has given her dreams and how they became reality. One example was the dream she had on the last day of her daughters' examinations- the eldest was taking STPM and the second was taking SPM. She dreamt of two eaglets flying and later the Lord told her it was about her daughters flying away for their further studies. True enough, both her daughters flew off for their studies after receiving scholarships. Then she shared that she had a strange dream yesterday morning. She dreamt of another sister in that group going to Kuala Lumpur to meet her husband who has passed away 3 years ago. She does not know what that dream means yet but that particular sister has written down the details of that dream and will be watching to see what it means.
Another sister shared that her gift from the Lord is the ability to listen well. Recently, on a tour to South Korea, she shared a room with someone who confided a lot of things with her. She is also attending a counselling course to help her in her volunteer work as a telephone counsellor with Women For Women Society. I think it is marvellous for her to sharpen her skills in an area she knows she is gifted in and to seek to help others who can benefit from her gifting.
There was yet another sister who shared about her gift in prophesying. She shared about how she was under spiritual attack when she exercised that gift and she suffered shoulder and neck pains and very heavy menstrual flow which caused her to be anaemic.Three days ago, as she spent time with the Lord, the Word oF God ministered to her and assured her of God's healing and taking away her pains. Actually, last Sunday, during the worship service, she prophesied and as she did that, a lady in the congregtion cried out loud and fell down, trembling all over. She was crying, "Lord, forgive me, forgive me!" . Then she started to speak in tongues for quite a while before a group of intercessors brought her to another room to minister to her. During this time, many in the congregation felt the Presence of God strongly and were much encouraged in their faith.
May we all faithfully use the gifts God has given us so that the Church can be built up and the Kingdom of God can be extended!!!
Tuesday 9 October 2007
All alone!
This afternoon, I visited a Sabahan lady who is warded in Sarawak General Hospital, Kuching.She is only 27 years old and she has cancer which has spread from her shoulder to her lungs.She is a single mother with a six year old son. She came here to Kuching by herself to seek treatment and when she first came, she did not know a single person here- not a friend nor a relative. She was all alone!
But God has been gracious to her. The people in the ward has been very kind to her. They have made friends with her and shared their food with her.In fact, she feels so good about the people she has met, that she intends to stay on in Kuching and look for a job here after getting discharged from the ward. Hurray to all who have shown kindness to this lady! The world is a beter place because of people like them.
But God has been gracious to her. The people in the ward has been very kind to her. They have made friends with her and shared their food with her.In fact, she feels so good about the people she has met, that she intends to stay on in Kuching and look for a job here after getting discharged from the ward. Hurray to all who have shown kindness to this lady! The world is a beter place because of people like them.
Monday 8 October 2007
Joy
Dear Lord Jesus,
I pray that You will give me the gift of joy. Let the spirit of joy rise up in my heart this day and may I know the fullness of joy that is found only in Your Presence.
Whenever I am overtaken by negative emotions, surround me with your love. Teach me to say, "This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it"(Ps 118:24) Deliver me from despair, depression, loneliness, discouragement, anger, or rejection. May these negative attitudes have no place in me. May I always decide in my heart, "My soul shall be joyful in the Lord. It shall rejoice in His salvation"(Ps 35:9)
Plant Your Word firmly in my heart and increase my faith daily. Enable me to abide in Your love and derive strength from the joy of the Lord this day and forever.
Amen.
I pray that You will give me the gift of joy. Let the spirit of joy rise up in my heart this day and may I know the fullness of joy that is found only in Your Presence.
Whenever I am overtaken by negative emotions, surround me with your love. Teach me to say, "This is the day that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it"(Ps 118:24) Deliver me from despair, depression, loneliness, discouragement, anger, or rejection. May these negative attitudes have no place in me. May I always decide in my heart, "My soul shall be joyful in the Lord. It shall rejoice in His salvation"(Ps 35:9)
Plant Your Word firmly in my heart and increase my faith daily. Enable me to abide in Your love and derive strength from the joy of the Lord this day and forever.
Amen.
Sunday 7 October 2007
Care Group
My husband and I belong to a Care Group, consisting of about ten families. Yesterday we had a most unusual meeting.
One of the ten families invited us to their home to meet up with the British boyfriend of one of the daughters. He was visiting Malaysia for the first time. We had a lovely evening chatting with this special Briton, asking him all sorts of questions, not to interrogate him, but just to get to know him better, so that as a care group, we can pray more intelligently for them as they seek God regarding their future together. Very often, we pray together for the children in our families as their welfare is of utmost importance to the parents. So, in this case, we are setting the precedence of meeting the special persons in the lives of our chilldren as a care group, to show our care and concern. After some time of fellowship and refreshment, we prayed for God's guidance and blessings on the two of them. It was a wonderful time together!
We are already planning to meet the next one from another family. How excting!!!! Just hope that the boyfriend or girlfriend will not get cold feet!
One of the ten families invited us to their home to meet up with the British boyfriend of one of the daughters. He was visiting Malaysia for the first time. We had a lovely evening chatting with this special Briton, asking him all sorts of questions, not to interrogate him, but just to get to know him better, so that as a care group, we can pray more intelligently for them as they seek God regarding their future together. Very often, we pray together for the children in our families as their welfare is of utmost importance to the parents. So, in this case, we are setting the precedence of meeting the special persons in the lives of our chilldren as a care group, to show our care and concern. After some time of fellowship and refreshment, we prayed for God's guidance and blessings on the two of them. It was a wonderful time together!
We are already planning to meet the next one from another family. How excting!!!! Just hope that the boyfriend or girlfriend will not get cold feet!
Wednesday 3 October 2007
Spiritual and Practical Gifts From God.
Yesterday morning, I was with my Homemakers' Fellowship and we were having a bible study about using gifts from the Lord for the common good of the whole church and community. We studied 1Cor 12 and went around,giving each lady a chance to share about what she feels is her gift from the Lord, be it a spiritual gift such as the message of wisdom, the message of knowledge, faith, healing, miraculous powers, prophecy, distinguishing between spirits, tongues, interpretation of tongues; or practical gifts as listed in Romans 12 such as serving, teaching, encouraging, contributing to the needs of others, leadership, showing mercy, etc.
It was great to hear how one sister received lyrics of a song which God gave her to share to encourage the church and how she sms it to another sister, who immediately received a tune from God and wrote down the music scores of the new composition. I hope this song will be on an album soon so that the church worldwide can benefit from it!
Another sister talked about her joy in cooking and seeing others enjoy the good food she cooked. This gifting was confirmed by a prophet from overseas who once told her that she saw in a vision, this sister putting more potatoes into her oven, signifying the gift of hospitality, which we all agree she has.
We were all so encouraged that God gives to each and every one of us a gift to use for His glory and to build the church. We were warned that if we do not use the gift God has given us, we may be bring harm to the church by not fulfilling our vital roles which are all needed for the well-being of the church. WOW!
It was great to hear how one sister received lyrics of a song which God gave her to share to encourage the church and how she sms it to another sister, who immediately received a tune from God and wrote down the music scores of the new composition. I hope this song will be on an album soon so that the church worldwide can benefit from it!
Another sister talked about her joy in cooking and seeing others enjoy the good food she cooked. This gifting was confirmed by a prophet from overseas who once told her that she saw in a vision, this sister putting more potatoes into her oven, signifying the gift of hospitality, which we all agree she has.
We were all so encouraged that God gives to each and every one of us a gift to use for His glory and to build the church. We were warned that if we do not use the gift God has given us, we may be bring harm to the church by not fulfilling our vital roles which are all needed for the well-being of the church. WOW!
Unanswered prayers can be answers from God!
God is Almighty and definitely not helpless nor hapless. But sometimes, to Him, it is more important for us to learn some crucial lessons and to grow in our character, than to be healed of our disease. Eg.patience and perseverance, empathy for others who are sick, deep appreciation for other gifts from God such as those who care for us, the brevity and fragility of life, etc.
The purpose of believing in God is more than getting His blessings such as health, wealth,peace, etc. It is to know God and to make Him known. A sickness often helps us to know God better and if we have positive attitudes towards the sickness we have to live with, others around us will know the goodness of our God .
I am not suggesting we try to get sick to able to know God or make Him known. We are responsible to take good care of our bodies and seek medical treatment when we need it. But when there is no hope of a medical solution and God has not granted a miraculous healing, we can accept it as something through which God can bring some good, to us and others around us.
The purpose of believing in God is more than getting His blessings such as health, wealth,peace, etc. It is to know God and to make Him known. A sickness often helps us to know God better and if we have positive attitudes towards the sickness we have to live with, others around us will know the goodness of our God .
I am not suggesting we try to get sick to able to know God or make Him known. We are responsible to take good care of our bodies and seek medical treatment when we need it. But when there is no hope of a medical solution and God has not granted a miraculous healing, we can accept it as something through which God can bring some good, to us and others around us.
Tips for renewing old sofa
My family and I have been using the blue sofa set in my living room for the past nine years. It is covered with PU and there has been very little need for any maintenance except an occassional wipe down with a wet cloth. The problem is, since about a year ago, it is getting worn out at the arm-rests and the seat of the three-seater. I thought it is time to change to another new sofa set and so I began to shop around. There was a particular set that I like and my family also like it but there is no stock of any sofa with the particular colour we wanted, until after the Hari Raya Puasa, which will be in two weeks' time.
Meanwhile, I tried to do something to cover the defects on the old sofa set. I bought some cloth of matching colour and tried to see how it will look like if I velcro it down. The effect was not very good.
Today I bought a mattress pad which covers and fits the three-seater quite well. Then I bought a roll of wall paper which is sticky on one side and my husband and I managed to cover the arm-rests of the sofa rather well. Wow! The old sofa has been given a new lease of life! It really looks good now. And it is just as comfortable as it was before! All at the cost of under RM70. We have saved a big bundle but not having to buy a new set of sofa (Rm3000)!!!!!! Another benefit is that we are saving the earth by prolonging the use of our sofa set, not using up more of the earth's resources in buying a new sofa set and not dirtying the earth by throwing out an old sofa set! Why not try my innovation if you need to give your old sofa set a face-lift!!!
Meanwhile, I tried to do something to cover the defects on the old sofa set. I bought some cloth of matching colour and tried to see how it will look like if I velcro it down. The effect was not very good.
Today I bought a mattress pad which covers and fits the three-seater quite well. Then I bought a roll of wall paper which is sticky on one side and my husband and I managed to cover the arm-rests of the sofa rather well. Wow! The old sofa has been given a new lease of life! It really looks good now. And it is just as comfortable as it was before! All at the cost of under RM70. We have saved a big bundle but not having to buy a new set of sofa (Rm3000)!!!!!! Another benefit is that we are saving the earth by prolonging the use of our sofa set, not using up more of the earth's resources in buying a new sofa set and not dirtying the earth by throwing out an old sofa set! Why not try my innovation if you need to give your old sofa set a face-lift!!!
Sunday 30 September 2007
Better than a miracle
Better Than a Miracle by Joyce C.
God is in the miracle business, every day, blessing us in so many ways wherein we aren't even looking. In fact, we are so ungrateful that, if one leg is in pain, we don't thank Him for the one that isn't. We invite Satan to extend suffering, with words like, "I may never be able to walk again." If our healing isn't instant, do we conclude that God must have stopped doing miracles? If God does do miracles, perhaps we decide it must be for someone else.According to your faith be it unto you. If you don't believe God heals, He won't. If you believe that miracles were only for beginning the new church age, you're missing out on blessings. Scripture was written as an example, not a history lesson. In all the ways God loved people of old, He wants to love us, too.
There are many gifts of healing, not just one, with diversity and differences in operation. After all, Jesus wasn't the only gift God gave ... and a gift is free. God heals all that will receive and that includes you, too.
We might see a physically blind man. But, God may see the spiritually blind heart. To give that man spiritual sight is worth far more. In fact, his spiritual sight, along with his physical infirmity, just might open more doors of opportunity to minister, as people are in awe of all he has to share, in spite of that handicap. In fact, one non-functioning sense could heighten all his other senses for true greatness.
Another could be physically lame; an outward show of one's inner desire to minister, but often faltering. Teach that person to spiritually walk, following none other than God, and they will be able to physically walk. As is often the case, heal the inner man and the outward one will function correctly ~ regardless of x-rays.
Then, there are those whose outward condition is in no way reflective of their inner needs. In such, a more immediate miracle may be in order. However, for those who don't give a hang about God, the real need of their heart is salvation.One child was diagnosed ADD, in error. As it turned out, one eye sees far sighted and the other sees near sighted. Also, there was construction going on in the next room. It was such a distraction that all their testing was off. Children are often labeled learning disabled when, in fact, they are extremely gifted.
If your hip won't stay in place, check out your shoes. It could just be that you've worn down a heal, setting everything else off balance. It may be the side effects of your medication that is wreaking havoc.Look and live. Find the source of the problem. Sometimes, it's external. Get that corrected and see what wonders God will do. And, when you don't know the source, ask God. Seek and you will find. Knock and that door will be opened.Jesus healed everyone that came to Him. There was no manner of disease that He couldn't do. Even in Paul's case, grace always has a point of redemption. And, didn't Jesus tell us that we can do the works He did and even more? He wasn't kidding. And, God replaces missing parts, too, sometimes even without transplants!
If you are not free, it isn't the truth. If it isn't the truth, it is a lie. And, if it is a lie, it was planted by Satan to keep us from our rightful inheritance. We can know this because truth always sets you free.
So, what can be even Better Than a Miracle?
Consider this ...For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Co. 4:15-18
When you receive a miracle of healing, that is an awesome testimony!However, when it is for your sake that your healing comes over time, that becomes a testimony, too. You spend at least some of that time growing in your relationship with God ... that is, unless you don't believe God heals. God makes your trial a blessing, as God is plenty capable of turning whatever Satan does into something good. You become a forerunner, learning how to overcome, wherein you, then, have a testimony to help others find their rightful place with God, too, and that blesses you even more!Also, as is often the case, people, from all walks of life, have discovered the ability to serve via the internet ~ as their bodies haven't allowed them other options to serve. If they had been physically healthy, would they have, otherwise, ever dreamed to minister to hundreds, thousands, and hundred thousands?
In some cases, blooming where you are planted is the most loving option God can offer. But, again, grace always has a point of redemption. When you finally know your importance in ministry, as a child of God, and are ready to serve, just as vigorously, without your physical or spiritual thorn, Satan has lost his power over you and it's time for your healing. Praise God!Not only that but, those who've suffered with Christ will also be glorified with Him!!!God sees and feels your every hurt. There is nothing that touches your heart which does not touch the heart of God. Though, He also knows it is only for a season.
Sometimes, we view those with physical infirmities as weak, sinful, etc.; not realizing these are often God's chosen. In such case, God has granted these a time of spiritual growth. He does not see them as week or sickly, at all. In fact, He is so very proud, knowing that these are His true warriors; ones that didn't give up on Him no matter what.
And, what you also may not realize is that, in addition to all the other lives you touch, every time you choose God in spite of all that ails ~ you are earning glory for all eternity! God looks upon the heart and, when you realize your rewards, you'll finally 'know' it really was worth it all!!!Though, not even Jesus could be all that He was yet going to be until certain things were accomplished.But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! Luke 12:50
Always, God does the healing and, often, via Jesus. There are choices we can make in the process of overcoming. But, none-the-less, God calls the rest to do our part.If you want to see God's great army turning this land into something Better Than a Miracle, consider what God said.Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Isaiah 58:6***
© 2004 by Joyce C. LockJoyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, and columnist. In addition, she founded and maintains the email ministries "Heavenly Inspirations" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations
God is in the miracle business, every day, blessing us in so many ways wherein we aren't even looking. In fact, we are so ungrateful that, if one leg is in pain, we don't thank Him for the one that isn't. We invite Satan to extend suffering, with words like, "I may never be able to walk again." If our healing isn't instant, do we conclude that God must have stopped doing miracles? If God does do miracles, perhaps we decide it must be for someone else.According to your faith be it unto you. If you don't believe God heals, He won't. If you believe that miracles were only for beginning the new church age, you're missing out on blessings. Scripture was written as an example, not a history lesson. In all the ways God loved people of old, He wants to love us, too.
There are many gifts of healing, not just one, with diversity and differences in operation. After all, Jesus wasn't the only gift God gave ... and a gift is free. God heals all that will receive and that includes you, too.
We might see a physically blind man. But, God may see the spiritually blind heart. To give that man spiritual sight is worth far more. In fact, his spiritual sight, along with his physical infirmity, just might open more doors of opportunity to minister, as people are in awe of all he has to share, in spite of that handicap. In fact, one non-functioning sense could heighten all his other senses for true greatness.
Another could be physically lame; an outward show of one's inner desire to minister, but often faltering. Teach that person to spiritually walk, following none other than God, and they will be able to physically walk. As is often the case, heal the inner man and the outward one will function correctly ~ regardless of x-rays.
Then, there are those whose outward condition is in no way reflective of their inner needs. In such, a more immediate miracle may be in order. However, for those who don't give a hang about God, the real need of their heart is salvation.One child was diagnosed ADD, in error. As it turned out, one eye sees far sighted and the other sees near sighted. Also, there was construction going on in the next room. It was such a distraction that all their testing was off. Children are often labeled learning disabled when, in fact, they are extremely gifted.
If your hip won't stay in place, check out your shoes. It could just be that you've worn down a heal, setting everything else off balance. It may be the side effects of your medication that is wreaking havoc.Look and live. Find the source of the problem. Sometimes, it's external. Get that corrected and see what wonders God will do. And, when you don't know the source, ask God. Seek and you will find. Knock and that door will be opened.Jesus healed everyone that came to Him. There was no manner of disease that He couldn't do. Even in Paul's case, grace always has a point of redemption. And, didn't Jesus tell us that we can do the works He did and even more? He wasn't kidding. And, God replaces missing parts, too, sometimes even without transplants!
If you are not free, it isn't the truth. If it isn't the truth, it is a lie. And, if it is a lie, it was planted by Satan to keep us from our rightful inheritance. We can know this because truth always sets you free.
So, what can be even Better Than a Miracle?
Consider this ...For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal. 2 Co. 4:15-18
When you receive a miracle of healing, that is an awesome testimony!However, when it is for your sake that your healing comes over time, that becomes a testimony, too. You spend at least some of that time growing in your relationship with God ... that is, unless you don't believe God heals. God makes your trial a blessing, as God is plenty capable of turning whatever Satan does into something good. You become a forerunner, learning how to overcome, wherein you, then, have a testimony to help others find their rightful place with God, too, and that blesses you even more!Also, as is often the case, people, from all walks of life, have discovered the ability to serve via the internet ~ as their bodies haven't allowed them other options to serve. If they had been physically healthy, would they have, otherwise, ever dreamed to minister to hundreds, thousands, and hundred thousands?
In some cases, blooming where you are planted is the most loving option God can offer. But, again, grace always has a point of redemption. When you finally know your importance in ministry, as a child of God, and are ready to serve, just as vigorously, without your physical or spiritual thorn, Satan has lost his power over you and it's time for your healing. Praise God!Not only that but, those who've suffered with Christ will also be glorified with Him!!!God sees and feels your every hurt. There is nothing that touches your heart which does not touch the heart of God. Though, He also knows it is only for a season.
Sometimes, we view those with physical infirmities as weak, sinful, etc.; not realizing these are often God's chosen. In such case, God has granted these a time of spiritual growth. He does not see them as week or sickly, at all. In fact, He is so very proud, knowing that these are His true warriors; ones that didn't give up on Him no matter what.
And, what you also may not realize is that, in addition to all the other lives you touch, every time you choose God in spite of all that ails ~ you are earning glory for all eternity! God looks upon the heart and, when you realize your rewards, you'll finally 'know' it really was worth it all!!!Though, not even Jesus could be all that He was yet going to be until certain things were accomplished.But I have a baptism to be baptized with; and how am I straitened till it be accomplished! Luke 12:50
Always, God does the healing and, often, via Jesus. There are choices we can make in the process of overcoming. But, none-the-less, God calls the rest to do our part.If you want to see God's great army turning this land into something Better Than a Miracle, consider what God said.Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Isaiah 58:6***
© 2004 by Joyce C. LockJoyce C. Lock is a published author, poet, and columnist. In addition, she founded and maintains the email ministries "Heavenly Inspirations" http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HeavenlyInspirations
Praise God at all times!
Imagine that you cannot move any muscle of yours. You cannot walk, sit up, talk, swallow or smile or do anything else except to lie down on the bed all day long. In this kind of existence, do you think you can praise God at all?
Well, yesterday I was with Balang Lasong and he is living like I described above for the past year. He has a sickness which causes muscle distrophy and over the past few years, his disabilities slowly increased until the present state. I was with a group of church members who visited him to have Holy Communion with him. I really admire the way Balang and his family has continued to trust the Lord as Balang's phsical condition deteriorated. He had been coming to the church services as long as he could, even in a wheel chair. When he could not sit in his wheel chair anymore, he stopped worshipping God at the church with us. But he was always very glad when we went to his home to have Holy Communion with him. His faith in God is truly admirable!
He and his family is a present-day example of David who in Psalm 34 wrote of extoling God at all times, even when he had to pretend to be insane while he was fearing for his life and in the midst of enemies who could chop off his head if they wanted to. David was in trouble and he was indeed overwhelmed with fears but he was able to surrender his fears to God and then he testified how God delivered him from all his fears. Through it all, he was able to praise God for God is Sovereignly in control of all things, even when he did not understand why God allowed certain things to happen to him.
When I have to go through the fiery test of my faith, may I be found to be extoling God at all times, trusting him faithfully and surrendering all to His loving care.
Well, yesterday I was with Balang Lasong and he is living like I described above for the past year. He has a sickness which causes muscle distrophy and over the past few years, his disabilities slowly increased until the present state. I was with a group of church members who visited him to have Holy Communion with him. I really admire the way Balang and his family has continued to trust the Lord as Balang's phsical condition deteriorated. He had been coming to the church services as long as he could, even in a wheel chair. When he could not sit in his wheel chair anymore, he stopped worshipping God at the church with us. But he was always very glad when we went to his home to have Holy Communion with him. His faith in God is truly admirable!
He and his family is a present-day example of David who in Psalm 34 wrote of extoling God at all times, even when he had to pretend to be insane while he was fearing for his life and in the midst of enemies who could chop off his head if they wanted to. David was in trouble and he was indeed overwhelmed with fears but he was able to surrender his fears to God and then he testified how God delivered him from all his fears. Through it all, he was able to praise God for God is Sovereignly in control of all things, even when he did not understand why God allowed certain things to happen to him.
When I have to go through the fiery test of my faith, may I be found to be extoling God at all times, trusting him faithfully and surrendering all to His loving care.
Purity
Dear Lord,
Fill me with a love for You that surpasses my love for anything or anyone else. Help me to respect and revere Your laws and understand that they are there for my benefit. May I clearly see that when Your laws are disobeyed, life doesn't work. Hide Your Word in my heart so that there is no attraction to sin. I pray that I will run away from evil, impurity, from unholy thoughts, words, and deeds, and that I will be drawn toward whatever is pure and holy. Let Christ be formed in me and cause me to seek the power of Your Holy Spirit to enable me to do what is right.
You have said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (Matt 5:8). May a desire for holiness that comes from a pure heart be reflected in all that I do. Let it be manifested in my appearance as well.
Where I have strayed from the path of holiness, bring me to repentance and work Your cleansing power in my heart and life. Give me understanding that to live in purity brings wholeness and blessing, and that the greatest reward for it is seeing You.
Amen.
Fill me with a love for You that surpasses my love for anything or anyone else. Help me to respect and revere Your laws and understand that they are there for my benefit. May I clearly see that when Your laws are disobeyed, life doesn't work. Hide Your Word in my heart so that there is no attraction to sin. I pray that I will run away from evil, impurity, from unholy thoughts, words, and deeds, and that I will be drawn toward whatever is pure and holy. Let Christ be formed in me and cause me to seek the power of Your Holy Spirit to enable me to do what is right.
You have said, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (Matt 5:8). May a desire for holiness that comes from a pure heart be reflected in all that I do. Let it be manifested in my appearance as well.
Where I have strayed from the path of holiness, bring me to repentance and work Your cleansing power in my heart and life. Give me understanding that to live in purity brings wholeness and blessing, and that the greatest reward for it is seeing You.
Amen.
Power of an endless life!
Persistence in the face of adversity is an admirable virtue but death is the final adversity that no amount of persistence can overcome.
Jesus, by the power of His perfect life, conquered death. In so doing, He made it possible for others to overcome death as well. Because He lives, and as He lives, we shall live also.
Jesus is the priest described in Hebrews 7:15-16 who has become a priest for us on the basis of the power of an indestructible life.
In the first creation, God breathed into Adam the breath of life, and he became a living soul. In the second creation, Christ breathes into us the spirit of His life.
In response, we must see to it that we deny our own lives, so that Christ's life will become ever more triumphant within us!
Jesus, by the power of His perfect life, conquered death. In so doing, He made it possible for others to overcome death as well. Because He lives, and as He lives, we shall live also.
Jesus is the priest described in Hebrews 7:15-16 who has become a priest for us on the basis of the power of an indestructible life.
In the first creation, God breathed into Adam the breath of life, and he became a living soul. In the second creation, Christ breathes into us the spirit of His life.
In response, we must see to it that we deny our own lives, so that Christ's life will become ever more triumphant within us!
Living with unanswered prayers.
God is All-powerful ! And He loves me so much He even died on the cross for me. But why doesn't He answer my prayer to heal me of my diabetes? Over the years, I have been crying to God to heal me but my diabetes has gotten worse and worse. Last Tuesday, my physician told me my oral medication is not able to control my diabetes and I have to start injecting myself with insulin everyday to try and control my blood sugar level. Why does God allow this to happen to me? He knows I am so scared of needles and not only do I have to be injected everyday, I must do it myself!!! Where is God when it hurts so much?
These are the questions a friend of mine has been asking. He is down right depressed about his medical condition. I hope that as his brothers and sisters in Christ, we who are in his home fellowship will be able to walk alongside him during this very trying period in his life and be able to encourage him to continue to believe that God still loves him and that He is still sovereignly in control of all things in spite of what he is going through. This is certainly a test of his faith. It is easy to say you believe in God's love and power when everything is going well for you. But when sickness or crisis strikes, are we able to continue believing that God is all He claims to be in the Bible? It takes faith to do that. May God increase my brother's faith in Him during this trial !
I have been wondering why is it that this brother cannot see the insulin injections as God's answer to his prayers for good health? The insulin injections can help regulate his blood sugar level and thus prevent his kidneys from getting destroyed too early in his life. Personally, I feel that we as God's children have no right to dictate to God how He should answer our prayers. Is He really God if He has to grant us all our wishes according to our ways? Can we not believe that His wisdom and knowledge far supercedes ours? If so, we must accept His ways of answering our prayers. God is alive and He is true to all that He says He is in the Bible. Often, it is our wrong understanding and intrepretation of His Word that shipwreck our faith in Him.
It is true that God can heal and He does want us to have good health. But according to the Bible the world we live in is a fallen one. Our human bodies are no longer what God had intended them to be when He first created Adam and Eve. Because of sin, we now have to live with sicknesses, injuries, aging, etc. Philip Yancey says that we will not be willing to leave this earth and go to heaven if we live in continuous good health!
Nonetheless, I must understand that I do not have to bear the cross that my brother is bearing now and I do not fully understand all his feelings because I am not him. I must not be critical of his response to his predicament but I must try to be there for him and his family as they go through this difficult period. I am sure God will help them to get used to the routine of the daily insulin injections and I am praying that soon, peace and joy will return to this family, especially to this particular brother. Sure, I believe God is capable of healing him completely of his diabetes but we should not love God any less if He does not heal him. Our faith in Him must not waver when we go through the storms of life!!!
These are the questions a friend of mine has been asking. He is down right depressed about his medical condition. I hope that as his brothers and sisters in Christ, we who are in his home fellowship will be able to walk alongside him during this very trying period in his life and be able to encourage him to continue to believe that God still loves him and that He is still sovereignly in control of all things in spite of what he is going through. This is certainly a test of his faith. It is easy to say you believe in God's love and power when everything is going well for you. But when sickness or crisis strikes, are we able to continue believing that God is all He claims to be in the Bible? It takes faith to do that. May God increase my brother's faith in Him during this trial !
I have been wondering why is it that this brother cannot see the insulin injections as God's answer to his prayers for good health? The insulin injections can help regulate his blood sugar level and thus prevent his kidneys from getting destroyed too early in his life. Personally, I feel that we as God's children have no right to dictate to God how He should answer our prayers. Is He really God if He has to grant us all our wishes according to our ways? Can we not believe that His wisdom and knowledge far supercedes ours? If so, we must accept His ways of answering our prayers. God is alive and He is true to all that He says He is in the Bible. Often, it is our wrong understanding and intrepretation of His Word that shipwreck our faith in Him.
It is true that God can heal and He does want us to have good health. But according to the Bible the world we live in is a fallen one. Our human bodies are no longer what God had intended them to be when He first created Adam and Eve. Because of sin, we now have to live with sicknesses, injuries, aging, etc. Philip Yancey says that we will not be willing to leave this earth and go to heaven if we live in continuous good health!
Nonetheless, I must understand that I do not have to bear the cross that my brother is bearing now and I do not fully understand all his feelings because I am not him. I must not be critical of his response to his predicament but I must try to be there for him and his family as they go through this difficult period. I am sure God will help them to get used to the routine of the daily insulin injections and I am praying that soon, peace and joy will return to this family, especially to this particular brother. Sure, I believe God is capable of healing him completely of his diabetes but we should not love God any less if He does not heal him. Our faith in Him must not waver when we go through the storms of life!!!
Tuesday 25 September 2007
Mooncake Festival
What a glorious sight it was at Kuching Friendship Park last night ! It was the Mooncake Festival and the whole park was beautifully decorated with lanterns of various colours and shapes. Hundreds of people thronged the park, many walking around with lighted lanterns. It was such a lovely sight! I hope Chinese people around the world will continue to celebrate the Mooncake Festival annually. It is a wonderfully occasion for the whole community to get together and have fun eating mooncakes and playing with lanterns. We can connect with each other as we chat and play games together.
Last Saturday. Chin Daw Methodist Church hosted an early celebration of the Mooncake festival at the Friendship Park. Their efforts should be commended. Hundreds of people showed up that night. The renditions of mandarin songs were very well done and the drama was so good and hilarious. They even had a lucky draw and guess what, I won a lovely thermos jar! A memorable night indeed! The only flaw is that the organizers did not prepare for the downpour that night. It was raining everyday for past several days and they should have put up tents in that open space where the gathering was. But most people stayed on with umbrellas or hid in the few sheltered areas nearby. I must say that the enthusiasm was still high in the air despite the rain. Bravo!
Last night, on the actual Mooncake Festival, I prepared a special dinner for my family - steamed boat and grilled lamb and beef, with chocolate cake and mooncake as desserts. We had a good time , all 3 generations together - 2 grandmas, my 2 teenage children plus my husband and myself. I even played with lanterns at my age of 40 something! A chance at second childhood!
The only sorrow was that we could not share those moments with my 2 sons who are studying in USA.
Something special happened 2 nights ago. My mother, here in Kuching and my brother, in Vancouver, spoke to each other for the first time in 17 years! I had an urge to call my brother and then I passed the phone to my mum. It was such a great joy to hear them chat and fill each other with details of their present lives! For the past 17 years my brother has not called or wrote to my mum. It was as though my mum had lost a son when he migrated to Canada. When I previously suggested my mum talk on the phone with my brother, she refused, saying that if he did not want to talk to her, then she has nothing to say to him. How sad!!! But I thank God for answering my prayers to be their peacemaker. One must always be reconciled to one's family members no matter what it takes and before it is too late. If not there will only be regrets to live with .
Last Saturday. Chin Daw Methodist Church hosted an early celebration of the Mooncake festival at the Friendship Park. Their efforts should be commended. Hundreds of people showed up that night. The renditions of mandarin songs were very well done and the drama was so good and hilarious. They even had a lucky draw and guess what, I won a lovely thermos jar! A memorable night indeed! The only flaw is that the organizers did not prepare for the downpour that night. It was raining everyday for past several days and they should have put up tents in that open space where the gathering was. But most people stayed on with umbrellas or hid in the few sheltered areas nearby. I must say that the enthusiasm was still high in the air despite the rain. Bravo!
Last night, on the actual Mooncake Festival, I prepared a special dinner for my family - steamed boat and grilled lamb and beef, with chocolate cake and mooncake as desserts. We had a good time , all 3 generations together - 2 grandmas, my 2 teenage children plus my husband and myself. I even played with lanterns at my age of 40 something! A chance at second childhood!
The only sorrow was that we could not share those moments with my 2 sons who are studying in USA.
Something special happened 2 nights ago. My mother, here in Kuching and my brother, in Vancouver, spoke to each other for the first time in 17 years! I had an urge to call my brother and then I passed the phone to my mum. It was such a great joy to hear them chat and fill each other with details of their present lives! For the past 17 years my brother has not called or wrote to my mum. It was as though my mum had lost a son when he migrated to Canada. When I previously suggested my mum talk on the phone with my brother, she refused, saying that if he did not want to talk to her, then she has nothing to say to him. How sad!!! But I thank God for answering my prayers to be their peacemaker. One must always be reconciled to one's family members no matter what it takes and before it is too late. If not there will only be regrets to live with .
Friday 21 September 2007
My highs and lows
There are days when my energy levels are so low, I can hardly crawl out of bed. When those days end, I am so full of energy that I can run around and do a million things and still do not feel tired. Is anyone of you like me?
I am full of energy presently. Just went jogging with hubby, took a bath, drove to town to bring my son home from a prefects' meeting at his school, wrote a blog, made some calls and started to blog again. Feel like I can go on and on. It is wonderful to be so alive, and enthusiastic about everything. But my hubby warns me not to commit myself to anything long-term which I will not be able to fulfill when my energy fizzle out and I am flat on the bed once again. But I do not want to keep limiting what I do because of fears of how I will cope in the future! Living in fears is no fun at all !I will try to be wise and not over-commit myself. Also I must work as a team with others who can back me up when I need to rest.
Actually I am thinking of embarking on a new project. I have a house in a privately-developed low-cost housing area which is vacant at this moment. I am seriously thinking of providing tuition for children there and charging only very minimal fees, something like 5 or 10 ringgit a month. The aim is to help children of poor families in their studies so that they will do well in their public exams and help get their families out of the poverty cycle. I hope I can get a team together who shares the same vision and will be committed to helping the poor. If you are living in Kuching and wants to join me in this project, let me know ok?
I have been so blessed by God. I have received a good education and I want to share my knowledge with others, and make a difference in their lives in a positive way. Lord, use me!
I am full of energy presently. Just went jogging with hubby, took a bath, drove to town to bring my son home from a prefects' meeting at his school, wrote a blog, made some calls and started to blog again. Feel like I can go on and on. It is wonderful to be so alive, and enthusiastic about everything. But my hubby warns me not to commit myself to anything long-term which I will not be able to fulfill when my energy fizzle out and I am flat on the bed once again. But I do not want to keep limiting what I do because of fears of how I will cope in the future! Living in fears is no fun at all !I will try to be wise and not over-commit myself. Also I must work as a team with others who can back me up when I need to rest.
Actually I am thinking of embarking on a new project. I have a house in a privately-developed low-cost housing area which is vacant at this moment. I am seriously thinking of providing tuition for children there and charging only very minimal fees, something like 5 or 10 ringgit a month. The aim is to help children of poor families in their studies so that they will do well in their public exams and help get their families out of the poverty cycle. I hope I can get a team together who shares the same vision and will be committed to helping the poor. If you are living in Kuching and wants to join me in this project, let me know ok?
I have been so blessed by God. I have received a good education and I want to share my knowledge with others, and make a difference in their lives in a positive way. Lord, use me!
Be the person God created me to be!
Dear Lord God,
I pray that You will pour out Your Spirit upon me today and anoint me for all that You've called to be and do. May I never stray from what You have called me to be and do . I do not want try to be someone I am not.
Deliver me from any evil plan of the Devil to rob me of life, to steal away my uniqueness and giftedness, to compromise the path you have called me to walk, or to destroy the person You created me to be. May I not be a follower of anyone, but You. May I be a leader of people into Your kingdom. Help me to grow into a complete understanding of my authority in Jesus, while retaining a submissive and humble spirit. May the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control grow in me daily. May I find my identity in You, view myself as Your instrument, and know that I am complete in You. Give me a vision for my life and a sense of purpose about what You have called me to do. May my commitment to being who You created me to be enable me to grow daily in confidence and Holy Spirit boldness.
Amen.
Please feel free to pray this prayer for yourself and your loved ones.
I pray that You will pour out Your Spirit upon me today and anoint me for all that You've called to be and do. May I never stray from what You have called me to be and do . I do not want try to be someone I am not.
Deliver me from any evil plan of the Devil to rob me of life, to steal away my uniqueness and giftedness, to compromise the path you have called me to walk, or to destroy the person You created me to be. May I not be a follower of anyone, but You. May I be a leader of people into Your kingdom. Help me to grow into a complete understanding of my authority in Jesus, while retaining a submissive and humble spirit. May the fruit of the Spirit, which is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control grow in me daily. May I find my identity in You, view myself as Your instrument, and know that I am complete in You. Give me a vision for my life and a sense of purpose about what You have called me to do. May my commitment to being who You created me to be enable me to grow daily in confidence and Holy Spirit boldness.
Amen.
Please feel free to pray this prayer for yourself and your loved ones.
Thursday 20 September 2007
Taking care of our elderly parents
This morning I need to take my 83 year old mum to Sarawak General Hospital. She needs an xray, some blood tests and medicine for her diabetes, clogged arteries, leg pain, etc.
She has taken care of me while I was young. Now we have reversed our roles and I am happy to be able to serve her in some ways. She used to stay in Kluang, Johor and I in Kuching, Sarawak, separated by the South China Sea.
My third sister used to help her get her medicine and bring her to the clinics. She faithfully did this for many years. May I be found to be faithful and willing, in my service to my mum.
My mother-in-law is also staying with us . We used to wonder if the two old ladies could get along alright. But we knew God wanted us to take care of them. So we trusted God to make things work out right and that there will be peace and harmony in our home. Thank God that He did and we hope our children will also see that there is joy in taking care of elderly parents!
She has taken care of me while I was young. Now we have reversed our roles and I am happy to be able to serve her in some ways. She used to stay in Kluang, Johor and I in Kuching, Sarawak, separated by the South China Sea.
My third sister used to help her get her medicine and bring her to the clinics. She faithfully did this for many years. May I be found to be faithful and willing, in my service to my mum.
My mother-in-law is also staying with us . We used to wonder if the two old ladies could get along alright. But we knew God wanted us to take care of them. So we trusted God to make things work out right and that there will be peace and harmony in our home. Thank God that He did and we hope our children will also see that there is joy in taking care of elderly parents!
New look
Guess what? I have just dyed my hair. Naturally, my hair is dark brown. I am getting more and more grey hair, so I decided to go the saloon to dye it into a brown colour. But the result is not what I had wanted. A reddish brown colour!!! Please do not faint when you next see me. Why did the colour turn out to be so different from the one the manufacturer says it would? My husband was obviously shocked to see me with that hair colour but he was too polite to say anything negative. My friends dare not say anything and perhaps that means it is so bad they better not comment on it lest they offend me.
Half of me wants to redye it to black, the safest choice. But the other half enjoys the change and wants to see how a different hair colour changes how people treat me. It is quite fun to see the reactions! Maybe I will keep it for a while and change the colour when the grey hairs are obvious again.
Half of me wants to redye it to black, the safest choice. But the other half enjoys the change and wants to see how a different hair colour changes how people treat me. It is quite fun to see the reactions! Maybe I will keep it for a while and change the colour when the grey hairs are obvious again.
Thorn in the flesh
I have a thorn in my flesh. I cannot yank it out. It is stuck!!! It is irritating and sometimes quite painful. It is not a thorn, literally. Sometimes you forget the thorn is there but every now and then it lets you know it is there.
This thorn is someone who is incisively critical. She lives in my home and though I try to be patient and to let her words go in through my left ear and out through my right ear, her words still affect me very much. How do you live with someone who is so demanding day after day? She is downright rude at times and is not grateful for the extra mile you go for her. What do I do when I get an over-dose of this? I go shopping!!! I pray to God that I will keep trying to love her with His love, to do things for her without expecting any word of thanks, to provide her with all she needs and not offend her in any way even if I am hurt by her. I can do all things through Christ who strenghtens me!!!
This thorn is someone who is incisively critical. She lives in my home and though I try to be patient and to let her words go in through my left ear and out through my right ear, her words still affect me very much. How do you live with someone who is so demanding day after day? She is downright rude at times and is not grateful for the extra mile you go for her. What do I do when I get an over-dose of this? I go shopping!!! I pray to God that I will keep trying to love her with His love, to do things for her without expecting any word of thanks, to provide her with all she needs and not offend her in any way even if I am hurt by her. I can do all things through Christ who strenghtens me!!!
Broad daylight robbery
I just found out that my neighbour was robbed once last week and then someone attempted to rob her again a few days later. Both incidents occured during broad daylight!
At the first incident, she just got out from her car at Third Mile, Kuching and was walking towards the shops when a guy approached her. He kicked her right thigh and when she fell, he snatched her handbag and got away. When she reported the robbery, she found four other people waiting to report similar robberies at the same police station. Later, she learned from the police personnel that at least 30 robberies or snatch thefts which are being reported everyday! What is happening in Kuching ? It used to be such a safe city that you hardly see any policemen around the city and you do not hear of rampant crimes.
A few days later, the same neighbour was waiting at a traffic junction and suddenly a gang of four motorbikes came to the junction. One guy smashed the side window of the car behind hers and snatched a handbag. Then someone else came to her car and wanted to do the same. But because the lady in the car behind her kept horning her car and shouting, people in the nearby shops came to assist and that gang zoomed off, but not without one of them yelling triumphantly as though they have won a race. I do hope the police in Kuching will act swiftly to put an end to these rampant robberies and snatch thefts. They must catch these criminals and put them into prisons. Kuching do not need such bold criminals!
On the personaol side, I hope ladies will stop using and handbags. Why not follow my example of using a pouch strapped to my waist. It does not look pretty but hey, isn't safety more important? Also do not put handbags or anything valuable at the front passenger seat while you are driving. Hide them somewhere else so that they are not visible to motorbikers. Also lock the doors of your car while you are driving and be alert for robbers and thieves. Make lots of noise with your car horn if anyone suspicious approach you. Most of all trust God to protect you and your belongings.
At the first incident, she just got out from her car at Third Mile, Kuching and was walking towards the shops when a guy approached her. He kicked her right thigh and when she fell, he snatched her handbag and got away. When she reported the robbery, she found four other people waiting to report similar robberies at the same police station. Later, she learned from the police personnel that at least 30 robberies or snatch thefts which are being reported everyday! What is happening in Kuching ? It used to be such a safe city that you hardly see any policemen around the city and you do not hear of rampant crimes.
A few days later, the same neighbour was waiting at a traffic junction and suddenly a gang of four motorbikes came to the junction. One guy smashed the side window of the car behind hers and snatched a handbag. Then someone else came to her car and wanted to do the same. But because the lady in the car behind her kept horning her car and shouting, people in the nearby shops came to assist and that gang zoomed off, but not without one of them yelling triumphantly as though they have won a race. I do hope the police in Kuching will act swiftly to put an end to these rampant robberies and snatch thefts. They must catch these criminals and put them into prisons. Kuching do not need such bold criminals!
On the personaol side, I hope ladies will stop using and handbags. Why not follow my example of using a pouch strapped to my waist. It does not look pretty but hey, isn't safety more important? Also do not put handbags or anything valuable at the front passenger seat while you are driving. Hide them somewhere else so that they are not visible to motorbikers. Also lock the doors of your car while you are driving and be alert for robbers and thieves. Make lots of noise with your car horn if anyone suspicious approach you. Most of all trust God to protect you and your belongings.
Love the unlovable!
Yesterday I heard my husband preach at church and he got me thinking about various things.
Jesus loved Zacchaeus, one of the vilest men of Jericho, who oppressed the people by over-taxing them to enrich himself. He did not condone his sin but he loved the sinner.
Do I find it to love someone I come into contact frequently ? An ultra demanding mother-in-law? A very stubborn teenage daughter who refuses to talk to me and still expects me to drive her around and buy the things she needs and likes? An irritating neighbour whose friends keep horning at her gate throughout the day and night? A difficult boss? Colleagues who stab you at the back?
Humanly it is impossible to love these people. But Jesus has said that what is impossible for men is possible for God. So if God wants me to love the above mentioned people in my life, He will empower me to show love to them with His unconditional love.
Another thing I am thinking about is how Zacchaeus made restitution after he met Jesus. He gave half his possessions to the poor and paid back those he cheated four times what he cheated them of. Wow, that would mean selling most of the remaining half of his possessions and becoming quite a poor man himself! In the church today, so little emphasis is made on the need to make restitution after coming to Christ. One needs only to believe and receive Jesus and we consider him a Christian. Doesn't he need to make right what he has done wrong in the past? Have I made right my past wrongs? Do I need to reconcile with my brother who got angry with me and does not speak with me any more? Did I take something that is not mine? Have I given it back and apologised? Did I gossip about someone and smeared his reputation? Have I gone to him to confess and promise not to do it again?
Zacchaeus ran ahead of Jesus and climbed a sycamore tree so that he can catch a glimpse of Jesus. Do I desire to meet with Jesus as enthusiastically as Zacchaeus? Or do I keep Him waiting for me to commune with Him each day while I busy myself with the trivial things of this life????? Lord, change me and teach me to live a life that is truly pleasing to YOU!
Jesus loved Zacchaeus, one of the vilest men of Jericho, who oppressed the people by over-taxing them to enrich himself. He did not condone his sin but he loved the sinner.
Do I find it to love someone I come into contact frequently ? An ultra demanding mother-in-law? A very stubborn teenage daughter who refuses to talk to me and still expects me to drive her around and buy the things she needs and likes? An irritating neighbour whose friends keep horning at her gate throughout the day and night? A difficult boss? Colleagues who stab you at the back?
Humanly it is impossible to love these people. But Jesus has said that what is impossible for men is possible for God. So if God wants me to love the above mentioned people in my life, He will empower me to show love to them with His unconditional love.
Another thing I am thinking about is how Zacchaeus made restitution after he met Jesus. He gave half his possessions to the poor and paid back those he cheated four times what he cheated them of. Wow, that would mean selling most of the remaining half of his possessions and becoming quite a poor man himself! In the church today, so little emphasis is made on the need to make restitution after coming to Christ. One needs only to believe and receive Jesus and we consider him a Christian. Doesn't he need to make right what he has done wrong in the past? Have I made right my past wrongs? Do I need to reconcile with my brother who got angry with me and does not speak with me any more? Did I take something that is not mine? Have I given it back and apologised? Did I gossip about someone and smeared his reputation? Have I gone to him to confess and promise not to do it again?
Zacchaeus ran ahead of Jesus and climbed a sycamore tree so that he can catch a glimpse of Jesus. Do I desire to meet with Jesus as enthusiastically as Zacchaeus? Or do I keep Him waiting for me to commune with Him each day while I busy myself with the trivial things of this life????? Lord, change me and teach me to live a life that is truly pleasing to YOU!
What a joy!
My family just chatted with my brother-in-law's family over skype and we had so much fun and laughter. It is such a joy to have a good conversation with people you love!!! And all that free of charge, thanks to skype. We can even see each other by using web-cameras! Indeed the internet has brought us closer, although we are separated by so many miles.
I appreciate all this modern technology even more now that I have 2 sons studying in USA. It sure saves me a lot of money that would have gone to telephone companies.
It was great to take my daughter and son out for dinner tonight, just the 3 of us. Usually we have the company of my mother and mother-in-law for dinner. We love them but it is nice for a change to eat out and talk without having to translate from English to Mandarin and vice versa.
You see, my children are "bananas", yellow (chinese) on the outside and white (english) on the inside. They do not understand Mandarin well, though they are making efforts to learn. They are trying to speak to their grandmothers in Mandarin, with a lot of help from Mum and Dad. Back to dinner, we had fun teasing each other while ingesting more calories than we should - fried chicken, fried potatoes, Pepsi float with vanilla ice-cream, etc. All in all it was a lovely night out, although it would have been nicer if my husband could come along. Alas, he had to work hard, operating for 12 straight hours on a giant tumour, trying very hard to get it all out without destroying any vital blood vessels and nerves. Wanted to send some dinner to him but he said he could not take a break to eat. But when he finally came home, I gave him some piping hot Bakuteh which he really enjoyed!
So I guess I did manage to take time to "smell the roses" today. Taking time to have heart-to-heart conversations with people I love has made today so meaningful. Thank you, Lord!
I appreciate all this modern technology even more now that I have 2 sons studying in USA. It sure saves me a lot of money that would have gone to telephone companies.
It was great to take my daughter and son out for dinner tonight, just the 3 of us. Usually we have the company of my mother and mother-in-law for dinner. We love them but it is nice for a change to eat out and talk without having to translate from English to Mandarin and vice versa.
You see, my children are "bananas", yellow (chinese) on the outside and white (english) on the inside. They do not understand Mandarin well, though they are making efforts to learn. They are trying to speak to their grandmothers in Mandarin, with a lot of help from Mum and Dad. Back to dinner, we had fun teasing each other while ingesting more calories than we should - fried chicken, fried potatoes, Pepsi float with vanilla ice-cream, etc. All in all it was a lovely night out, although it would have been nicer if my husband could come along. Alas, he had to work hard, operating for 12 straight hours on a giant tumour, trying very hard to get it all out without destroying any vital blood vessels and nerves. Wanted to send some dinner to him but he said he could not take a break to eat. But when he finally came home, I gave him some piping hot Bakuteh which he really enjoyed!
So I guess I did manage to take time to "smell the roses" today. Taking time to have heart-to-heart conversations with people I love has made today so meaningful. Thank you, Lord!
Wednesday 19 September 2007
TAKE TIME TO SMELL THE ROSES!
It is so easy to rush through life as though there is no more tomorrows and everything needs to be done right now! But I am sure God does not want me to live like this.
Life is precious ! Even if I do not know if tomorrow exists for me, I ought to live in the present moments and savour all the good things God has blessed me with. Sure chores still need to be done - children fetched to school, groceries to be bought from the supermarket, mother-in-law to be brought to the doctor's clinic, car to be brought to the workshop, etc (my goodness, I do spend almost a quarter of my life as a driver). But as I go about all activities, I want to slow down my pace and take time to "smell the roses" - to baby-talk to an infant, to smile to the cashier and ask how is her day, to tell my husband that I love him, to kiss my children goodbye when I drop them off at school, to have tea with my mum and chat about other family members, etc.
O the people I meet each day are the ones that I need to reach out and touch with God's love. Life becomes so much more meaningful this way. May I ever be the moon which reflects clearly the love of the SUN (our Almighty God)!
Life is precious ! Even if I do not know if tomorrow exists for me, I ought to live in the present moments and savour all the good things God has blessed me with. Sure chores still need to be done - children fetched to school, groceries to be bought from the supermarket, mother-in-law to be brought to the doctor's clinic, car to be brought to the workshop, etc (my goodness, I do spend almost a quarter of my life as a driver). But as I go about all activities, I want to slow down my pace and take time to "smell the roses" - to baby-talk to an infant, to smile to the cashier and ask how is her day, to tell my husband that I love him, to kiss my children goodbye when I drop them off at school, to have tea with my mum and chat about other family members, etc.
O the people I meet each day are the ones that I need to reach out and touch with God's love. Life becomes so much more meaningful this way. May I ever be the moon which reflects clearly the love of the SUN (our Almighty God)!
Tuesday 18 September 2007
It's great to be alive!
Thank God I am alive today! I am truly grateful to be alive, to be able to breathe, to enjoy loving relationships with family and friends, secure in the knowledge that God has a marvellous plan for my life today! There have been days, many days, when I did not want to get out of bed. Nothing to look forward to. Same old routine, day after day. But I do not want to live like that any more! I will start by being grateful that I am alive, healthy and able-bodied, capable to accomplishing something for God each day - small things maybe, but I want to do them with all my heart so that there is meaning in life today and everyday.
The first thing I did differently today is to start a blog of my own. Heh!!! I am blogging now, to the disbelief of my third child who laughed incessantly last night, saying that there is no way I will be able to blog. Too computer illiterate! I just have to prove him wrong, don't I ? Who says I am too old to learn new tricks??? When there is a will, there is a way! Moreover, I have Almighty God to back me up. He will strengthen me to do whatever He deems is good. No worries!Never fear, God is near!!!!
3 days ago, I read in the papers about a noodle-seller who was knocked down from behind by a lorry. She fell from her motorbike and was run over by a bus. Her head cracked and her brains spilled all over the road! Yucks!! I better put my brains to some good use before it is too late!
Last night I talked on the phone with my brother-in-law. Poor chap! He is scratching himself to death because of the 50 presents he had received from when on a mission trip to Nepal. I said they must like him so much that they gave him so many gifts! When I asked what kinds of present they were, he said "Scabies!" He had been to doctors who diagnosed his itching problem as scabies but only gave him some oral medication and some creams to apply on the itchy skin. But he is still scratching himself to death! My goodness! I wonder why no doctor gave him the following instructions to eradicate this very contagious skin disease. So I am sharing this so that if ever any one catches scabies, he will know exactly what to do and not have to suffer endlessly days of scratching till the skin is raw.
Scabies is causing by mites which are not visible to the naked eye. They live on the skin and actually feed on it. To effectively treat it, do the following:
1. Apply benzyl benzoae lotion all over your body, except your face ( mites so not live on the face, thank God!), and including the scalp.Do this once a day, for 3 consecutive days, after a shower.
2. Do no.1 for everyone living in your house, regardless of whether they have itchy skin or not, on the same days. The aim is complete eradication of the mites.
3. On the first day when you apply the benzyl benzoate lotion, wash all bedsheets, pillow cases, bolster cases, blankets in HOT WATER, to kill the mites.
4. Vacuum the whole house and throw away the vacuum cleaner bags after vacuuming and replace with new ones.
5. On the third day of applying the benzyl benzoate, wash all used bedsheets, pillow cases, bolster cases and blankets with HOT WATER again.
This is very tedious! I know because my family was infected with scabies many years and after months of itching, a kind doctor told us to do as described above. After that, we were completely cured! Praise God!
The first thing I did differently today is to start a blog of my own. Heh!!! I am blogging now, to the disbelief of my third child who laughed incessantly last night, saying that there is no way I will be able to blog. Too computer illiterate! I just have to prove him wrong, don't I ? Who says I am too old to learn new tricks??? When there is a will, there is a way! Moreover, I have Almighty God to back me up. He will strengthen me to do whatever He deems is good. No worries!Never fear, God is near!!!!
3 days ago, I read in the papers about a noodle-seller who was knocked down from behind by a lorry. She fell from her motorbike and was run over by a bus. Her head cracked and her brains spilled all over the road! Yucks!! I better put my brains to some good use before it is too late!
Last night I talked on the phone with my brother-in-law. Poor chap! He is scratching himself to death because of the 50 presents he had received from when on a mission trip to Nepal. I said they must like him so much that they gave him so many gifts! When I asked what kinds of present they were, he said "Scabies!" He had been to doctors who diagnosed his itching problem as scabies but only gave him some oral medication and some creams to apply on the itchy skin. But he is still scratching himself to death! My goodness! I wonder why no doctor gave him the following instructions to eradicate this very contagious skin disease. So I am sharing this so that if ever any one catches scabies, he will know exactly what to do and not have to suffer endlessly days of scratching till the skin is raw.
Scabies is causing by mites which are not visible to the naked eye. They live on the skin and actually feed on it. To effectively treat it, do the following:
1. Apply benzyl benzoae lotion all over your body, except your face ( mites so not live on the face, thank God!), and including the scalp.Do this once a day, for 3 consecutive days, after a shower.
2. Do no.1 for everyone living in your house, regardless of whether they have itchy skin or not, on the same days. The aim is complete eradication of the mites.
3. On the first day when you apply the benzyl benzoate lotion, wash all bedsheets, pillow cases, bolster cases, blankets in HOT WATER, to kill the mites.
4. Vacuum the whole house and throw away the vacuum cleaner bags after vacuuming and replace with new ones.
5. On the third day of applying the benzyl benzoate, wash all used bedsheets, pillow cases, bolster cases and blankets with HOT WATER again.
This is very tedious! I know because my family was infected with scabies many years and after months of itching, a kind doctor told us to do as described above. After that, we were completely cured! Praise God!
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