tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-93067472024-03-13T15:07:37.754+08:00...beginning somewhere in the middle...Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger153125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9306747.post-9139122161458019122010-05-22T21:50:00.002+08:002010-05-22T22:08:58.740+08:00Mother Teresa on Abortion<span style="font-style:italic;">Abortion "is murder in the womb ... A child is a gift of God. If you do not want him, give him to me."<br /><br />"The greatest destroyer of peace is abortion because if a mother can kill her own child, what is left for me to kill you and you to kill me? There is nothing between."<br /><br />“It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish.”<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span><br /><br />I've heard stories and wondered how someone could just make decisions on these matters. Then I quickly check myself and remind me not to judge.<br /><br />Having said that though, Mother Teresa didn't mince her words and if faced with having to give my opinion on abortion, I have no qualms in agreeing with her.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9306747.post-62904774978144512632010-05-22T21:39:00.006+08:002010-05-22T22:01:52.835+08:00Leadership by example?<span style="font-style:italic;">Mother Teresa said, "Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person."<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span></span><br /><br />Sometimes I wish I had someone to follow, someone who could do everything and then tell me what else that needed to be done, so I could then do it. Mother Teresa's words tell me that it's ok for me to move ahead, without affirmation, encouragement even, if I see something that needs to get done.<br /><br />Feels almost like a free fall.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9306747.post-34890669842733329262010-05-20T15:02:00.002+08:002010-05-20T15:54:01.360+08:00Am I boring?I like going to the same restaurants, ordering the same foods. I just love the feeling of anticipation of an appetite to be satisfied, knowing the good quality that I've come to found and come to expect from the proprietors. That feeling of looking forward to something good!<br /><br />Does that make me boring? If it does, then I'm most guilty.<br /><br />Most of our lives, if not all of it, we like, love, rely heavily on constants, such as our parents' providence, patience, love, or perhaps, going to someone whom you know will always be available to give you sound advice, a hug when you need it, or that special mamak stall that's got the most tasty teh tarik, Constants we love.<br /><br />Don't see anything wrong with that.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9306747.post-57944363842571367272010-05-18T23:52:00.002+08:002010-05-18T23:56:15.662+08:00God loves me!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzozltht8BXWLneBIyzFv8BRoSOCwvIH-YJ9uG0L5PA-WKSsBzwuQ_7LbObCedg9QBzzPqYAoqSvcRpFxUryWTR50SnxdDGGaIVZskdLsrLw7ao8oyXpmv0C8VzfDqdVrCErO/s1600/Talking+birds+Matt+6+v26-27.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 235px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxzozltht8BXWLneBIyzFv8BRoSOCwvIH-YJ9uG0L5PA-WKSsBzwuQ_7LbObCedg9QBzzPqYAoqSvcRpFxUryWTR50SnxdDGGaIVZskdLsrLw7ao8oyXpmv0C8VzfDqdVrCErO/s320/Talking+birds+Matt+6+v26-27.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472639251832461618" border="0" /></a>What a timely and wonderful reminder!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9306747.post-86043079527598500432010-05-12T15:59:00.003+08:002010-05-12T16:14:23.239+08:00I take back my words..What happens when a relationship breaks down? I'm talking about a boy-girl relationship? I tell him today that I love him and I want to be with him forever. Then sometime down the road, er.. sorry I take it back. I don't love you anymore and I don't want to be with you anymore. er.. sorry.<br /><br />So easy. Never mind that your kinda broke a promise. But you didn't say, "I promise" and even if you did, they should understand, cos after all, you're not married, right? And even if you were, so what? Divorce happens. er, sorry.<br /><br />Words are so easily spoken. So easily taken back. They are free of charge but full of meaning. If it's someone important, their words seem like gold to us. It has great weight in our lives and propels us forward so far, and builds us like no physical foundation ever could.<br /><br />I wish words could be said and not taken back. Then, people would be more careful in what they say.<br /><br />See, I'm now actually considering whether I ought to take these words back.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9306747.post-81493082274133273652010-05-10T20:31:00.002+08:002010-05-10T20:41:25.064+08:00God calls for obedience...God calls for obedience and for us to live an obedient lifestyle:-<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">"Why do you call Me, "Lord, Lord," and don't do the things I say? I will show you what someone is like who come to Me, hears My words, and acts on them. He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. When the flood came, the river crashed against that house and couldn't shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The river crashed against it, and immediately it collapsed. And the destruction of that house was great!"</span><br /><br />Luke 6: 46-49<br /><br />Lessons I learn today -<br /><ol><li>ACT on what I have heard Him say</li><li>Lay my foundation based on God's word<br /></li><li>Dig deep into His word<br /></li><li>It is not "if" but "when" the flood comes..</li><li>God likes having obedient children</li></ol>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9306747.post-1602051765732705682010-05-04T15:39:00.000+08:002010-05-04T15:44:45.026+08:00Success as defined by Ralph Waldo EmersonTo laugh often and much<br />To win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children<br />To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends<br />To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others!<br />To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition<br />To know that even one life has breathed easier, because you have lived.<br />This is to have succeeded.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9306747.post-48898063400597373192010-05-03T00:15:00.004+08:002010-05-03T00:32:46.029+08:00Highs and Lows..Saturday was a high for me. A wedding. Laughter, a tear or two, great joy to see such love grow and progress. A new chapter. New beginnings. Such anticipation! Congrats, MattChing!<br /><br />Today was mixed for me. I received much from today's Sermon entitled "When we falter" by Henry. I thank God for it. Timely. Needful. Assuring. Most assuring. Tonight was a high too. Dinner was sumptuous, company good. In between though, I received very sad news. Someone whom I look up to, have utmost respect for, a wonderful, Godly, totally amazing woman had passed on.<br /><br />She was an inspiring woman, fought the good fight against cancer one time too many. Never allowed her illness to dampen her spirit, her faith, nor her enthusiasm for life! I can only say that any person that has never met her, known her has lost the opportunity to know a truly beautiful woman.<br /><br />Boon Kee was my ex-colleague (of sorts) and even after we had stopped working in the same organisation, had always been the one to initiate contact, enquire about my life, share Christ, testimony after testimony she would give to all who would just knock on her door.<br /><br />She always had a smile and kind word for people, caring, sharing was her nature. Even as she battled illness, she continued to tell all the goodness of God. Even in her darkest moments, she spoke of how God was with her and showed her things.<br /><br />A true inspiration, a loving mother and wife, a great friend to so many, my shining role model. You will be missed.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9306747.post-60708863928299485792010-04-30T14:08:00.003+08:002010-04-30T14:14:32.919+08:00I like...I like:-<br /><ul><li>cool sleepy afternoons</li><li>vanilla ice-cream</li><li>swimming in the ocean</li><li>sitting by the beach with a good book</li><li>laughing till I can hardly breathe</li><li>watching babies learn to walk</li><li>messing in my kitchen</li><li>not having to do any housework, especially ironing</li><li>eating crab with friends<br /></li><li>being on time for everything</li><li>new things</li><li>watching love stories on tv</li><li>making someone smile<br /></li></ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9306747.post-55506584047052223692010-04-29T15:28:00.002+08:002010-04-29T17:48:09.816+08:00Dream Big - Unknown AuthorIf there were ever a time to dare, to make a difference, to embark on something worth doing, it is now. <br /><br />Not for any grand cause, necessarily - but for something that tugs at your heart, something that's your aspiration, something that's your dream. <br /><br />You owe it to yourself to make your days here count. <br />Have fun. <br />Dig Deep. <br />Stretch. <br />Dream big. <br />Know, though, that things worth doing seldom come easy. <br /><br />There will be good days. <br />There will be times when you want to turn around, pack it up, and call it quits. Those times tell you that you are pushing yourself, that you are not afraid to learn by trying. <br /><br />Persist. <br />Because with an idea, determination, and the right tools, you can do great things. <br />Let your instincts, your intellect, and your heart guide you. <br />Trust. <br /><br />Believe in the incredible power of the human mind. <br />Of doing something that makes a difference. <br />Of working hard. <br />Of laughing and hoping. <br />Of lazy afternoons. <br />Of lasting friends. <br />Of all the things that will cross your path this year. <br /><br />The start of something new brings the hope of something great. <br />Anything is possible. <br />There is only one you. <br />And you will pass this way only once.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9306747.post-46847893129915489692010-04-29T12:26:00.003+08:002010-04-29T15:15:03.034+08:00In troubled times, it's you I seek...An ordinary day<br />An ordinary life<br />Cry out Holy<br />Scream justice<br />Talk about having joy<br /><br />Roast<br />Toast<br />Anyway you like it<br /><br />Kicking and yelling<br />Havoc<br />DIY<br />We go at it alone<br /><br />Till the end of our sanity<br />We muster just enough good sense<br />We seek Him<br />Emptied of all, when we only needed to say, "Please help?"<br /><br />Repentance<br />Restoration<br />Peace<br />Why did we wait?<br />Why are we stubborn?<br /><br />Learn quickly<br />Remember the Lord our God...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9306747.post-80589310214196228082009-03-28T17:43:00.002+08:002009-03-28T18:01:14.579+08:00Leading as a call...False humility, pride, or fear of failure...<br /><br />Sometimes the muddle in my brain tries to work out circumstances that I react to. I am a poor first anything.. My first impressions are almost always wrong. My first reactions are also not too good. My first words are terrible! My first thoughts sometimes disastrous...<br /><br />I have found out a couple of things throughout my short life. I have been placed in leadership positions often yet, I do not feel (deceptive feelings) that I am qualified, nor suitable nor good enough, yada yada yada.. I now believe them to be excuses...<br /><br />Ever also get the feeling when you interact with others that "you are not the one"? Well, I get that all the time... When people I care about are upset, troubled, in need and I know about it, I would think of 100 things I could do to help them out of the situation.. (hence, the Miss Know It All title) However, when I get there and start "administering" TLC, I find the it isn't received as I would expect... After some pondering, I tell myself, "I am just not the one they want to BE THERE for them..." It's not my fault that I am being rejected... Not a nice feeling, I can tell you...<br /><br />After complaining to God often enough, I have come to the realisation that it IS MY FAULT.. The difference is, it's my fault because I failed to listen and invest in time to build relationships with others.<br /><br />Why the caption "leading as a call"? I have been called to lead in many things. It is not because of my wisdom or talent but God seeks after my obedience and tests me in this area for it is my weakest.<br /><br />I have to seek Him and check my motives in every leadership role I take to ensure it isn't laced with pride, false humility or fear of failure and thus have marred vision when making the decisions. God knows that I can do it cos He enables me, it is I who second guess Him all the time and question Him endlessly and end up disobeying Him too often.<br /><br />God, lead others through me. More of You, none of me... Amen.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9306747.post-53331050111415451132008-11-07T16:37:00.004+08:002009-03-28T17:43:28.606+08:00Out of the mouth flows.....??I don't mean to sound "holier than thou" but swearing, cussing, use of profanity, rough language as I call it, irks me a lot.<br /><br />I find that it just offends my ears when I hear them. I've tried to ignore this feeling but everytime I hear these utterances, they disturb me.<br /><br />I used to use these words as well. I was rather generous with my sprinkles of s**t and h**k and the women I spent time with, were not the kind who actually used the f word in public although an occasional utterance by our male colleagues were tolerated, we don't usually find the f word used daily and was only "acceptable" among very good friends who were in great distress.<br /><br />I don't think I am a prude, far from it, but I do associate the use of profanity with class. Am I snooty? If it means that I use less profanity, then yes.<br /><br />There are some interesting articles that I came across that helped me understand this phenomena sweeping the world on how acceptable use of profanity has become and the only thing I can say is that it is common!<br /><br />So, class again comes to play. I consider myself above common thus again reinforce my conviction of not using profanity and vulgar expletives to express myself.<br /><br /><br />http://people.howstuffworks.com/swearing.htm<br />http://www.goingthewongway.com/2008/02/26/profanity-without-using-curse-words/Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9306747.post-78824999146776972282008-10-30T23:22:00.005+08:002008-10-30T23:32:33.588+08:00Love? (W-I-P)<span style="font-size:85%;">Love me,<br />Love me not.<br />Love my dog.<br />Love me not.<br /><br />Love the sound,<br />Love the touch,<br />Love to hold,<br />Love to nudge.<br /><br />Keep it simple,<br />Keep it short.<br />Keep on talking,<br />Keep me from falling.<br /><br />Why the talk?<br />Why the fuss?<br />Do you really care all that much?<br />Wishful thinking,<br />Wistful thinking,<br />How I love, how I love.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9306747.post-1364327164154597792008-09-17T23:24:00.010+08:002008-09-17T23:45:57.705+08:00Who are friends?Who are friends? The ones who say what we want to hear or the ones who tell us the truth despite how we feel.<br /><br />Who are friends? The ones who say they love us or the ones who stand by us no matter what.<br /><br />Who are friends? I am not one who can call someone my friend easily nor readily. Call me old fashioned but a history together matters.<br /><br />Who are friends? People who keep promises and if they can't will let you know quickly.<br /><br />Who are friends? People who can pick up a conversation after not meeting for 2 years like it was just yesterday.<br /><br />Who are friends? The ones whose names pop up in our minds when we need help.<br /><br />Who are friends? The ones whose names pop up in our minds when we wanna go someplace new.<br /><br />Who are friends? The ones whose names pop up in our minds when we wanna go someplace, any place cos we love their company.<br /><br />Who are friends? The first person we call when we have a piece of good news to share!<br /><br />Who are friends? People we wanna grow old with.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9306747.post-70245855501340462162008-08-05T17:43:00.003+08:002008-08-05T18:03:55.359+08:00I will never be (the same again)Recently, a "revival" song has been repeatedly coming into my mind <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1ou36Er2mI">I will never be (the same again)</a><br /><br />It's actually a song that spells out a commitment that we believers ought to experience and be continually experiencing, yet sometimes we live as though nothing happened when we received Christ into our hearts..<br /><br />So, my prayer during this 40 day fast and prayer for myself is to live out my own life as I ought to, in full consciousness of what Jesus Christ has done for me.<br /><br />Easier said than done for a self-professed independent. Lord, I ask for Your help to change, change, change to be more like You, rely, rely, rely on You for all my needs. Lord, may I be pliable in Your hands, teachable, listen more, talk less. Amen.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9306747.post-14550412771132420502008-07-19T16:00:00.007+08:002008-07-19T16:22:07.165+08:00My current fav love songMy current favorite love song, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zUMeCw99HU">Sempurna</a>...<br /><br />Ok, the video isn't what I had hoped so, listen to song instead of watching the video, k?<br /><br />Lyrics are:-<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >Kau begitu sempurna<br />Dimataku kau begitu indah<br />Kau membuat diriku akan slalu memujimu<br /><br />Disetiap langkahku<br />Kukan slalu memikirkan dirimu<br />Tak bisa kubayangkan hidupku tanpa cintamu<br /><br />Janganlah kau tinggalkan diriku<br />Takkan mampu menghadapi semua<br />Hanya bersamamu ku akan bisa<br /><br />[Reff:]<br />Kau adalah darahku<br />Kau adalah jantungku<br />Kau adalah hidupku<br />Lengkapi diriku<br />Oh sayangku, kau begitu<br />Sempurna... Sempurna...<br /><br />Kau genggam tanganku<br />Saat diriku lemah dan terjatuh<br />Kau bisikkan kata dan hapus semua sesalku<br /></span><br />So romantic!<br /><br />(also someone who accurately described "heart" in bahasa! ;-P)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9306747.post-40229260459860786812008-06-18T18:28:00.010+08:002008-06-18T23:44:45.744+08:00My heart on empowering others<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-style: italic;">Reminder to self...</span></span><br /><br />I am into empowering young people to serve God through leading others. I wonder if it's actually called empowering..<br /><br />There is this term called "theological" safe-space where people in a group can talk about God freely without fear of being judged or considered idiots for asking something about God. Well, I consider me a "growing up as a leader" safe-space... Under my wings (so to speak!) one can do and try all sorts of different approaches in serving God whilst they grow in leadership. Why? Was Christ conventional?<br /><br />All of us are different and yet are the same. Different cos of how we are made but same cos of our Maker. The part where we are the same ought not change, ie. no funny stuff, like weird doctrines, yada, yada... but the methods can be different. None of us came to know Christ in exactly the same way, nor do we talk about God in the same way although we all do share Christ with others..<br /><br />So why empower? I'd use the analogy, teach someone to fish and you'll will feed him for life but give him the fish and you'll only feed him for a day...<br /><br />I am into encouraging, coercing, preparing the way, opening up opportunities and leading people to fish for themselves. You'll be amazed at what can and will happen when people are empowered and can grow once they feel that they have that safe space to work with... Although I've only seen glimpses of it, it's already fueling me to move further!<br /><br />Unfortunately, there are also those who think they've been abandoned and left to swim at the deep end... all they need to do is to stand up (aka just ask me la..)<br /><br />Besides the above problem, making the choice to lead in this manner has left all sorts of issues in my arms, like running helter-skelter when things don't go as planned. It is stressful, and I admit that teaching people to fish does take a longer time to do (as opposed to catching the fish myself) but am still believing for the dividends in time to come (which I hope won't be in the form of a slap across the face!) It has also oftentimes left me looking somewhat incompetent and other times inefficient but again, I would remind myself of the end goal.<br /><br />Another benefit of empowerment is to watch those "under" our care eventually surpass us and even teach us a thing or two! That's something which I expect and even hope for!<br /><br />In our quest for excellence in ministry, we need to remember that we are in God's business of building people <span style="font-style: italic;">first and foremost</span>. The ministry will inevitably follow. We are given a bunch of people (who initially can't fish) and we teach, we grow, we build, we love them into leadership and maturity. I hope to grow old with them because after all, they have become my friends...<br /><br />And then, when I see the Lord, I hope that He will say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant!"Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9306747.post-2944846450423811722008-06-13T15:10:00.007+08:002008-06-13T16:59:45.198+08:00Counting the cost...<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></span> 2 Timothy 3: 12 (NIV) says that, "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,"<br /><div style="text-align: left; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br />Question:-<br /></div><ul style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><li>If we are not persecuted, are we then not living a Godly life?</li><li>Is this some sort of an indicator of a "closet" Christian?; or<br /></li><li>Is it the measure of how often we actually witness to people?</li></ul><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This verse is preparing me for persecution. There should not be a question mark as to whether we would or would not be persecuted. It is a matter of fact that as we live life in Christ, it will come. So, how then should we respond?<br /><br />Our allegiance to Christ, of proclaiming the truth, of living it out in our daily lives, of righteousness (strong sense of right and wrong), should be a prominent feature in our lives and ought to be apparent to those around us.<br /><br />I think that this allegiance to Christ must cost us something and knowing beforehand and preparing ourselves for it, is key. I do not look upon persecution as a delight but rather, a course or journey that must be taken. Staying on course is the primary objective.<br /></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Question:-</span><br /><ul style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><li>What is a form of persecution that we would encounter where we are at, be it a work, amongst a group of people, in school, at home?</li><ul><li>are we accused of not being "cool" because we refuse to dodge certain activities?</li><li>is it a dare or a challenge to dress or speak in a certain way?</li><li>are we made fun of because of our so called "holier than thou" behaviour?</li><li>do we get mocked by people for our squeaky clean language?</li><li>are we compared to people of other faiths?</li></ul></ul>Persecution should not be a "bad word" to us believers. We ought to embrace it, not because it is the righteous or noble "bad" thing that will happen to us but more so because, persecution is to me, an indicator to how boldly we are living for Christ. Instead of fearing persecution, fear that we aren't making Christ known.<br /><br />(Living where I do, I don't suffer the kind of persecution that Paul or believers today (of other nationalities) have to go through on a daily basis. I just think that persecution can take many forms and vary in degree, from human to human and from situation to situation. So, living in the Bible Belt in the US for example, does not mean we wouldn't face persecution..)<br /><br />Believing in Christ the Risen Lord costs us something. It costs us time, effort, there's opportunity cost, loss of income, things dear to us. It costs us our popularity, it costs us being judged, we are mocked, ridiculed, tormented and sometimes it costs even us our most valued relationship. It costs us our dogged perseverence, unwavering determination, uncompromising faith and obedience. It can even cost us our very lives.<br /><br />So, is it then a burden to live for Him, to call Him Lord and Savior? Is it then BETTER if we abandon this idea of faith in Him and go on our own way? Wouldn't it be just too testy to live a life of strife with others, and instead let's just "see how things pan out and go with the flow"? It is simpler, less thinking, effort, planning involved, as after all, we don't know what tomorrow holds, so just take today for whatever we can get from it?<br /><br />I've tried that. It actually works... for a while. We will be swept by the tide of man and time, live, laugh, play and sometimes feel happiness. Life on earth has much to offer since the Lord made it for us anyways. There will be good stuff and there will be bad stuff, just as if you had given yourself to Christ. So, then, what is the difference?<br /><br />This was the big difference for me. Feeling empty on the inside. Nothingness, aloneness, hopelessness. Doing whatever I wanted didn't give me any joy. The more I did what I liked, the more empty I felt. It came to a point I was nauseous from the emptiness I felt in the pit of my stomach.<br /><br />Plans and a purpose was the next biggie. I looked at the great plans I had all laid out for me and then looked at God's plan for me (<a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=30&chapter=29&verse=11&version=31&context=verse">Jeremiah 29: 11</a>). He had so much more! It was BIGGER, better and best of all, He would be there to see it through for me! I only needed to say Yes and keep on saying Yes to Him. So unbelievably simple! Needless to say, the rewards in the life hereafter are also very substantial..<br /><br />Does it mean that I had to do stuff I hate to do, even today? Yes. Did it and does it mean that I can't do things as and when I liked? Why, yes! Do I keep on having to make decision after decision, choice after choice every single day, to abide in Him? Yes, yes, yes! Is it easy? No! It is not!<br /><br />How difficult it is for us to make these decisions daily, to follow Him, to walk with Him, to love Him and to love His people? It sounds such an impossible task ... so let's just count His cost <span style="font-weight: bold;">so that</span> we can make these decisions. God sent His only Son, Jesus who Himself suffered, was persecuted, ridiculed, mocked, beaten, and eventually killed <span style="font-weight: bold;">so that</span> we have a choice. He GAVE His life <span style="font-weight: bold;">so that</span> we have a <span style="font-weight: bold;">"so that"</span>. Are we worth His cost? He seems to think so.<br /><br />In a nutshell, and very candidly put,<span style="font-style: italic;"> I would rather follow Christ and as and when, endure some suffering, a little hardship and even persecution for His Name sake (for it happens to be nothing compared to what He Himself endured for me </span><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">so that </span><span style="font-style: italic;">I can live) than to suffer needlessly as a consequence of my own selfish actions, decisions and ambition or worse yet, for no reason and purpose at all! </span><br /><br />What kind of a deal is that?<br /><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9306747.post-5378924666256560482008-06-05T21:29:00.004+08:002008-06-05T21:55:08.916+08:00My take on encouragement...Here're some of my thoughts on encouragement:-<br /><ol><li>I am greatly encouraged when I hear accounts of souls being brought into the Kingdom.</li><li>I am encouraged when testimonies of healing, overcoming obstacles, life circumstances are shared.</li><li>Encouragement is also found when people make mention of a certain occasion, a word, a song or a verse that was shared and it has in some way helped them through a particular time or situation.</li><li>It isn't easy to encourage people. God's help is usually required.<br /></li><li>It is hard to encourage someone who doesn't want to accept what we say. Usually, these ones are negative about most things at that particular time. It is important to encourage nonetheless.</li><li>We can encourage without speaking.</li><li>It's sad when people think that we encourage because we have to, are obliged to. It's important to encourage despite what people think.<br /></li><li>Not giving up on something can encourage others.</li><li>Don't give up encouraging people even if people don't seem to appreciate it.</li><li>Don't bother to encourage anyone if we are not sincere.</li><li>Encouragement is like a bouquet of sweet-smelling everlasting flowers that we present to someone.</li><li>I've been discouraged when my encouragement was not received...</li><li>I've been encouraged when what I have done or said has encouraged someone. It works both ways.</li></ol>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9306747.post-9675276788999015202008-05-17T00:51:00.002+08:002008-05-17T01:10:13.641+08:00Trying to make a comeback....I am considering making a comeback to blogging.<br /><br />My very reason for stopping still exists and I am about to be victim to it but the temptation to resume is very strong indeed...<br /><br />I am looking for fruit. It still eludes me. Over a year later. Not much has changed. Actually, I think I have. I am more suspicious, cautious than ever before. No matter, I make more mistakes than ever...<br /><br />My eyes are fast dimming and I will need that procedure sooner than later.. (that accounts for huge mistakes in emails and sms-es)<br /><br />I am losing more patience and gaining less Godliness.. Wonder if that's called backsliding?<br /><br />I can't hit most high notes anymore either. Generally, I am just the regular happy bunny these days..<br /><br />Still no fruit.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9306747.post-51029583198945313962007-04-24T16:09:00.000+08:002007-04-24T16:26:58.482+08:00Someone very special....She is bubbly, lively, lovely and carries the presence of the Lord where she goes. She is real, pliable, loving, caring, selfless, pretty, hears well from the Lord. She makes me laugh, never dull, precocious, never subtle, never bland.<br /><br />A steadfast warrior for the Lord, fickle with almost everything but never with the Lord. She has a beautiful voice, face, smile, figure too! She stands for what she believes in, stronger than she thinks she is, sensitive to the Lord's leading, highly favored daughter of the Most High.<br /><br />She keeps on going when she doesn't feel like it. She keeps on going when she doesn't want to. She keeps on going despite what she thinks. Unwavering faith.<br /><br />She brought me into the fold, made me feel loved, accepted and highly valued. She taught me how to love the young ones, her maternal instincts kicked in, way before motherhood. God-given love, painstaking acts of love as she showered her lambs with all she had within her even when it seemed as though she didn't have any more to give. She never, never gave up on us! I learned to love, to befriend, to see with eyes of love instead of my own human eyes when I saw the young ones through her eyes.<br /><br />She never takes credit for the work. She returns it all to the Lord. She inspires, encourages, whips into shape, when she has to. She never, never punishes but corrects lovingly. Very few have had the privilege to see the side of her that I have seen. What I have seen is so so beautiful, so fragile and yet so strong. Created lovingly by the Lord for His purposes, His service, His blessings to be poured upon.<br /><br />I pay tribute to a friend, a confidant, a teacher, a great servant of the Lord for whom I am so blest to have in my life.<br /><br />Words will never suffice to describe her and all that she is and does, but I want to affirm her as she affirms me and others as we journey on with the Lord. So, thank you, my dear, dear Loretta.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9306747.post-73859469485688435612007-04-15T23:31:00.000+08:002007-04-15T23:38:56.286+08:00Sounds like some old song...<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet ms;font-size:100%;" >As I was listening to this song, it struck/reminded me that we need to purposefully, intentionally, choose to praise God. Yes, we are told time and again that we ought to praise God in all circumstances and despite our feelings, but how many of us actually can or even try to do just that. And yes, I have been feeling less than grateful aka thankful to my Abba Father of late and as I listened to this song, I understand and appreciate the act of putting on the garment of praise all the better. </span><br /></span></div></div><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><br />Garments Of Praise<br /></b><b><a href="http://www.pwarchive.com/search.aspx?criteria=Author&se=Jamie+Harvill">Jamie Harvill</a></b><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br />Put on the garments of praise<br />For the spirit of heaviness<br />Let the oil of gladness flow<br />Down from Your throne<br />Put on the garments of praise<br />For the spirit of heaviness<br />Your joy is my strength alone<br />My strength alone<br /><br />Make these broken weary bones<br />Rise to dance again<br />Wet this dry and thirsty land<br />With a river<br />Lord our eyes are fixed on You<br />And we are waiting for Your garland<br />Of grace as we praise Your name<br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> Hallelujah Sing hallelujah</span><br /></div><span style="font-size:100%;">We give all honor and praise<br />To Your name<br />Hallelujah Sing hallelujah<br />We trade our sorrows<br />For garments of praise<br /><br /></span><span style="font-size:85%;">©1999 Integrity's Praise! Music<br />All rights reserved. International copyright secured.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9306747.post-55705489026775803982007-04-15T23:21:00.000+08:002007-04-15T23:26:14.778+08:00ARE YOU TEACHABLE?<p class="MsoNormal"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" >By Dr. James MacDonald</span></p><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10;" >(Taken from this <a href="http://www.webheadz1.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&amp;id=306&Itemid=2">link</a>.)<br /><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">"Rebuke is more effective for a wise man than a hundred blows on a fool." Proverbs 17:10</span> <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" >I believe that God speaks to us through His Word, His Spirit, and His people. In the times of my life when I've needed some course correction, most often I've heard His Word coming through someone who cared enough and loved me enough to sit down with me and say, "there's something you need to change." <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" >Are you a teachable person? Proverbs 17:10 says, "Rebuke is more effective for a wise man than a hundred blows on a fool." In other words, you can get more ROI from a wise person in one gentle conversation than you can gain from a fool by whacking him with a board a hundred times. Which are you? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" >If you're not sure how you rate on the teachability meter, take this five-point quiz: <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" >1. I know I'm teachable when people give me input. When people feel free to give you a word of improvement, it's a good sign that you're teachable. Nobody wants to risk cleaning up a meltdown if the person can't receive a difficult word. Don't try to tell him he's not headed in the right direction because he'll bite your head off. The fool is always deeply persuaded that what he is doing is right. A teachable person will receive input. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" >2. I know I'm teachable when I see measurable growth and character development in myself. If you're changing for the good, then you're teachable. You're not the same person you were last year at this time. Godly instruction has produced results in your life and there's growth because of it. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" >3. I know I'm teachable when I don't have to answer a critic with a defense. More often than I ever want to be, I'm in the uneasy position of giving people input. As hard as that is, I love to sit down with a person who has hears a difficult word with an open heart and without defensiveness. It's been my repeated observation that those who are receptive to criticism, flourish! <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" >4. I know I'm teachable when I don't have to criticize back. The classic symptom of an unteachable person is that they will listen to what you say, all the while framing their comeback, "Now let me tell you something..." Can you keep your defenses down and pride in check? <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" >5. I know I'm teachable when I'm learning new ways to grow. If people have been telling you the same stuff for years, you're not teachable. If you've grown out of those old issues and are now on to new lessons, you're on the right track. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style=";font-family:";font-size:12;" >Are you teachable? Ask someone who knows you well for their honest evaluation. .And take their response to heart. <o:p></o:p></span></p><span style=";font-family:";font-size:10;" ><br /><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9306747.post-32545934049300785712007-04-13T12:20:00.000+08:002007-04-13T12:51:52.003+08:00Of Cheerleaders and Pom-Poms..After watching Heroes, my thoughts went to cheerleaders and their pom-poms..<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Am I a pom-pom or a cheerleader?<br /><br />What is a pom-pom to a cheerleader?<br /><br />Can a cheerleader function without a pom-pom?<br /><br />Why does a cheerleader need a pom-pom?<br /><br />Am I a cheerleader, with or without the pom-poms?<br /><br />Am I just a member of the crowd?<br /><br />Why do we need cheerleaders?<br /><br />Why be a cheerleader?<br /></div><br />I think that cheerleaders and its hype are the result of American influence in our lives, probably more through the mass media than anything else.<br /><br />I usually don't think much about cheerleaders. If I were watching a game, I doubt that I would bother much about them but find them suitable distractions, entertainment even, if they were any good. The media also paints all sorts of things about cheerleaders, their characteristics, etc which most times aren't particularly good or true. But that's not why I am talking about them now.<br /><br />So, back to the earlier questions.<br /><br />1. Am I a pom-pom or a cheerleader? What is a pom-pom to a cheerleader?<br /><br />I want to liken myself to being a cheerleader for God. Pom-poms would symbolise perhaps zeal, a passion for Him?<br /><br />2. Can a cheerleader function without a pom-pom? Why does a cheerleader need a pom-pom?<br /><br />Of course they can but without the pom-poms, it would be harder to notice them. Also, the pom-poms are lovely, much like a lovely bouquet of colours in their hands and when they are swung about etc, surely add to their repertoire/routine. It enhances the performance so to speak.<br /><br />3. Am I a cheerleader, with or without the pom-poms?<br /><br />Hardest question so far. Yes, I am a cheerleader and yes, I do have pom-poms.<br /><br />4. Am I just a member of the crowd?<br /><br />I could be but would I be content?<br /><br />5. Why do we need cheerleaders?<br /><br />I think we need them. Aside from providing distraction and entertainment, they are supposed to support the team that they are cheering for. Imagine if you were a person playing for their team and you had to go to a new place to play and the entire stadium was filled with supporters of the opposing team. The cheerleaders might well be the only ones to render the team players any support and encouragement. So, yes, we do need cheerleaders.<br /><br />6. Why be a cheerleader?<br /><br />If you really love the game and/or you want to be a team player but can't for whatever the reason, or you have someone you really care about in the team, or perhaps you like and believe in what cheer-leading is all about, the preparation, the skill, the practice, the risk of permanent injury, the team spirit among cheerleaders, their different roles, the sheer power, agility, athletic strength and raw energy in not only doing the routine but also doing it with a smile, the selfless-ness even of doing all this to show support to the team you are rooting for?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2