Mother Teresa on Abortion

Abortion "is murder in the womb ... A child is a gift of God. If you do not want him, give him to me."

"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."

“It is a poverty to decide that a child must die so that you may live as you wish.”

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.

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.

Leadership by example?

Mother Teresa said, "Do not wait for leaders; do it alone, person to person."

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.

Feels almost like a free fall.

Am 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!

Does that make me boring? If it does, then I'm most guilty.

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.

Don't see anything wrong with that.

God loves me!

What a timely and wonderful reminder!

I 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.

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.

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.

I wish words could be said and not taken back. Then, people would be more careful in what they say.

See, I'm now actually considering whether I ought to take these words back.

God calls for obedience...

God calls for obedience and for us to live an obedient lifestyle:-

"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!"

Luke 6: 46-49

Lessons I learn today -

1. ACT on what I have heard Him say
2. Lay my foundation based on God's word
   
3. Dig deep into His word
   
4. It is not "if" but "when" the flood comes..
5. God likes having obedient children

Success as defined by Ralph Waldo Emerson

To laugh often and much
To win the respect of intelligent people and affection of children
To earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends
To appreciate beauty, to find the best in others!
To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition
To know that even one life has breathed easier, because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded.

Highs 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

A true inspiration, a loving mother and wife, a great friend to so many, my shining role model. You will be missed.

I like...

I like:-

• cool sleepy afternoons
• vanilla ice-cream
• swimming in the ocean
• sitting by the beach with a good book
• laughing till I can hardly breathe
• watching babies learn to walk
• messing in my kitchen
• not having to do any housework, especially ironing
• eating crab with friends
  
• being on time for everything
• new things
• watching love stories on tv
• making someone smile
  

Dream Big - Unknown Author

If there were ever a time to dare, to make a difference, to embark on something worth doing, it is now.

Not for any grand cause, necessarily - but for something that tugs at your heart, something that's your aspiration, something that's your dream.

You owe it to yourself to make your days here count.
Have fun.
Dig Deep.
Stretch.
Dream big.
Know, though, that things worth doing seldom come easy.

There will be good days.
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.

Persist.
Because with an idea, determination, and the right tools, you can do great things.
Let your instincts, your intellect, and your heart guide you.
Trust.

Believe in the incredible power of the human mind.
Of doing something that makes a difference.
Of working hard.
Of laughing and hoping.
Of lazy afternoons.
Of lasting friends.
Of all the things that will cross your path this year.

The start of something new brings the hope of something great.
Anything is possible.
There is only one you.
And you will pass this way only once.

In troubled times, it's you I seek...

An ordinary day
An ordinary life
Cry out Holy
Scream justice
Talk about having joy

Roast
Toast
Anyway you like it

Kicking and yelling
Havoc
DIY
We go at it alone

Till the end of our sanity
We muster just enough good sense
We seek Him
Emptied of all, when we only needed to say, "Please help?"

Repentance
Restoration
Peace
Why did we wait?
Why are we stubborn?

Learn quickly
Remember the Lord our God...

Leading as a call...

False humility, pride, or fear of failure...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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.

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.

God, lead others through me. More of You, none of me... Amen.

Out 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.


http://people.howstuffworks.com/swearing.htm
http://www.goingthewongway.com/2008/02/26/profanity-without-using-curse-words/

Love? (W-I-P)

Love me,
Love me not.
Love my dog.
Love me not.

Love the sound,
Love the touch,
Love to hold,
Love to nudge.

Keep it simple,
Keep it short.
Keep on talking,
Keep me from falling.

Why the talk?
Why the fuss?
Do you really care all that much?
Wishful thinking,
Wistful thinking,
How I love, how I love.

Who 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.

Who are friends? The ones who say they love us or the ones who stand by us no matter what.

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.

Who are friends? People who keep promises and if they can't will let you know quickly.

Who are friends? People who can pick up a conversation after not meeting for 2 years like it was just yesterday.

Who are friends? The ones whose names pop up in our minds when we need help.

Who are friends? The ones whose names pop up in our minds when we wanna go someplace new.

Who are friends? The ones whose names pop up in our minds when we wanna go someplace, any place cos we love their company.

Who are friends? The first person we call when we have a piece of good news to share!

Who are friends? People we wanna grow old with.

I will never be (the same again)

Recently, a "revival" song has been repeatedly coming into my mind I will never be (the same again)

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..

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.

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.

My current fav love song

My current favorite love song, Sempurna...

Ok, the video isn't what I had hoped so, listen to song instead of watching the video, k?

Lyrics are:-
Kau begitu sempurna
Dimataku kau begitu indah
Kau membuat diriku akan slalu memujimu

Disetiap langkahku
Kukan slalu memikirkan dirimu
Tak bisa kubayangkan hidupku tanpa cintamu

Janganlah kau tinggalkan diriku
Takkan mampu menghadapi semua
Hanya bersamamu ku akan bisa

[Reff:]
Kau adalah darahku
Kau adalah jantungku
Kau adalah hidupku
Lengkapi diriku
Oh sayangku, kau begitu
Sempurna... Sempurna...

Kau genggam tanganku
Saat diriku lemah dan terjatuh
Kau bisikkan kata dan hapus semua sesalku

So romantic!

(also someone who accurately described "heart" in bahasa! ;-P)

My heart on empowering others

Reminder to self...

I am into empowering young people to serve God through leading others. I wonder if it's actually called empowering..

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?

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..

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...

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!

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..)

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.

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!

In our quest for excellence in ministry, we need to remember that we are in God's business of building people first and foremost. 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...

And then, when I see the Lord, I hope that He will say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant!"

Counting the cost...

2 Timothy 3: 12 (NIV) says that, "In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,"

Question:-

• If we are not persecuted, are we then not living a Godly life?
• Is this some sort of an indicator of a "closet" Christian?; or
  
• Is it the measure of how often we actually witness to people?

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?

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.

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.

Question:-

• 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?
• are we accused of not being "cool" because we refuse to dodge certain activities?
• is it a dare or a challenge to dress or speak in a certain way?
• are we made fun of because of our so called "holier than thou" behaviour?
• do we get mocked by people for our squeaky clean language?
• are we compared to people of other faiths?

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.

(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..)

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.

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?

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?

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.

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 (Jeremiah 29: 11). 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..

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!

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 so that we can make these decisions. God sent His only Son, Jesus who Himself suffered, was persecuted, ridiculed, mocked, beaten, and eventually killed so that we have a choice. He GAVE His life so that we have a "so that". Are we worth His cost? He seems to think so.

In a nutshell, and very candidly put, 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 so that 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!

What kind of a deal is that?

My take on encouragement...

Here're some of my thoughts on encouragement:-

1. I am greatly encouraged when I hear accounts of souls being brought into the Kingdom.
2. I am encouraged when testimonies of healing, overcoming obstacles, life circumstances are shared.
3. 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.
4. It isn't easy to encourage people. God's help is usually required.
   
5. 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.
6. We can encourage without speaking.
7. 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.
   
8. Not giving up on something can encourage others.
9. Don't give up encouraging people even if people don't seem to appreciate it.
10. Don't bother to encourage anyone if we are not sincere.
11. Encouragement is like a bouquet of sweet-smelling everlasting flowers that we present to someone.
12. I've been discouraged when my encouragement was not received...
13. I've been encouraged when what I have done or said has encouraged someone. It works both ways.