Perfection Takes Time

Perfection takes time. For believers, this takes a lifetime. God is producing a masterpiece that He can proudly present to all. He takes great pains to ensure that we are without faults and blemishes. His precious work in us brings out the best that we can ever be.

Sometimes, the crises we find ourselves in may seem to suffocate us, we are seemingly drowning in deep sea but what is amazing is that God’s unseen hand is ever ready to save us. Through our trials and tribulations, we learn to rest on the arms of God. We begin to understand peace that passes understanding. We know the abiding presence of almighty God. Our spiritual muscles are strengthened for the arduous journey ahead. We know that we can overcome and triumph because God is with us.

Escalating Prices

Global rising prices is raging like a blazing fire in many countries all over the world. The same amount of money today gets you less goods and services. Recently, an article in the papers caught my attention. Due to escalating prices, this Filipino lady could not afford to buy milk powder for her baby. We are not talking about luxury goods, milk powder is a necessity. Yesterday, I learned that some people in another country cannot afford to buy rice and bread as food prices had escalated beyond their control. Many impoverished people all the world over are plagued by hunger pangs at this moment.

Let us come back to Singapore. Low income families who are struggling to survive face tremendous pressure. Some live on instant noodles because that is all they can afford. The Singapore government is doing all they can to help the poor and needy.

The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund is an excellent initiative by the The Straits Times. Needy children get $30 to $50 a month. Mr Seenivasagam’s three children are the recipients. In his interview, he related: “Please thank the people at The Straits Times for me. My children would have had nothing to eat at recess if not for them. - Security guard Madialagam Seenivasagam, 50, whose three children, aged 10, 12 and 14, receive $1 a day from the School Pocket Money Fund.” Because of people who care, those who are in need receive help. Because of people who care, the poor need not go to bed hungry. As Singapore becomes more affluent, the people who are more well off can do more to reach out to those who need a helping hand.

Persevering Love

Phoebe Worrall Palmer (1807-1874) was a well known teacher, humanitarian and theologian. Her influence and impact was far reaching during that time. Phoebe’s third child, Eliza, died a tragic death. Her maid accidentally dropped a lit oil lamp on the gauze curtain covering the baby’s crib. Little Eliza died in her infancy in the flash fire.

Can you imagine the inexpressible pain, the anguish, the despair and agony Phoebe must have felt? In the book Streams of Living Water by Richard Foster, the following account reflected the pain in Phoebe’s heart when she said: “In the agony of my soul I had exclaimed, “'O, what shall I do!'"

God reached out to the inner recesses of Phoebe's heart in those trying and difficult time. She found solace and strength from God. She allowed the word of God to nurse her back to health and wholeness. She allowed God to walk her through her immense grief and pain. To cut the long story short, she picked herself up and emerged stronger and more determined to love and serve God with every ounce of her energy.

How many people can be like Phoebe Palmer? How many of us can remain strong in the face of life’s harshest storm? strongly believe she overcame because her relationship with God was so strong. She was deeply rooted in the love of God and this led her on in spite of her pain and suffering. She did not allow the trial to destroy her life and ministry; on the contrary, she thrived and persevered to pursue God in greater intensity. She left behind a godly model and example for millions of Christians to follow after.

Resounding Melodies

Monte (my husband) and I were at the botanic garden last Sunday evening to catch a wonderful performance by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. They played to a very large crowd of people. The relaxed atmosphere is just amazing and we soaked in all the beautiful melodies that echoed through the air.

Clouds Of Glory

I have always been fascinated by clouds in the sky. They never fail to captivate my heart. They are so unfathomable, constantly changing formations and patterns. They radiate with the beauty and glory of God. When I look up at the sky, I see the wonder, the greatness and the bigness of our supreme God. A God so great that the temporal issues and things in life appear small and insignificant. The challenges and seemingly impossible situations suddenly become more manageable because God is in control. Oftentimes, God speaks to us through nature. The trees, the mountains, the sea, the sky echo a resounding chorus declaring His majesty, power, strength, dominion, authority and glory.

Hallelujah, Jesus Is Alive

God is not a figment of our imagination. He is awesome and powerful, the living God who made us for His eternal purpose. He is the first and the last, the beginning and the end, the alpha and omega. He lives forevermore. Down the corridors of time, every man, woman and child who seek wholeheartedly for Him never turn away disappointed. He shows His faithfully and goodness to all who long for His presence. The complete liberty that we find in our maker is so precious. Thank you, Lord, for saving us from the utter destruction and damnation. Thank you, Lord, for loving us with all of Your heart.

Hallelujah, Jesus Is Alive

Hallelujah, Jesus is alive
Death has lost it’s victory
And the grave has been denied
Jesus lives forever
He’s alive, He’s alive
He’s the Alpha and Omega
The first and last is He
The curse of sin is broken
We have perfect liberty
The Lamb of God is risen
He’s alive, He’s alive

Soaking Up Ponggol

Last Saturday, Monte (my husband) and I were in Ponggol. We walked quite some distance, soaking in the fresh air, the lush greenery, the sea, the sun and all that Ponggol has to offer. The tranquility and restfulness appeal to us as we enjoy getting away from the hustle and bustle of life.

Green Fingers

Monte (my husband) has green fingers. These plants are so beautiful to behold. One time, my aunt gave us a small potted plant and we carried on from then. From one pot, it has grown to the current harvest. There were times when some threaten to wither away, but somehow they survive. The greenness certainly is good for our eyes and tending to them is also therapeutic.