The Power Of Release

One day, a teacher wanted to teach the children a lesson on forgiveness. She told her students to prepare a bag and some potatoes. For each hurt, unforgiveness or wrongdoing that came to their minds, they will put one potato into the bag. Very soon, the children’s bags filled up very quickly. Everyday they had to carry their bags wherever they went.

As the days went by, the potatoes began to rot. The weight was unbearable for some let alone the stench of rotten potatoes.

Finally the teacher told them the moral behind this activity. The hurts and unforgiveness do not just affect the children, it soon affected the people around them. The root of bitterness has a way to bring destruction to others and ourselves.

Jesus hung on the cross of Calvary to show us one of the most powerful lessons in life. When we release forgiveness, we do not merely free ourselves. The forgiven party feels the power of release. It is the power of God at work in you and I.  In our strength we may not have the ability to release forgiveness but Jesus enables and empowers us to do so.

(Adapted from Glass House Ministries)
http://glasshouseministries.blogspot.sg/2012/08/what-we-can-learn-from-rotting-potatoes.html

Late Bloomers

Monte (my husband) and I are both late bloomers so we are not so quick to write people off. Particularly for children, some may develop at a faster rate at a later stage. For instance, the mental capabilities of a kid may not be fully developed between age of seven to twelve. And then all of a sudden, the kid springs into action in his or her teenage years. Imagine the loss we could have incurred if we are too quick to label them as underachievers. In educating and helping children to grow and develop, we as caregivers or educators need to lovingly guide and help our young people to reach their fullest potential. Every rough stone can be a gem someday.

Beautiful Bloom

On Tuesday, Jan 27, Monte (my husband) and I along with a friend went over to Sentosa for the Sentosa Flowers 2009. It was spectacular. We soaked in the beautiful bloom of pretty flowers of myriad colours, shapes and size.

I have attached a little write up on this amazing event from
http://sentosa.com.sg/events_promotions/events/index.asp#289

“Come celebrate the season of Spring and usher in the Year of the Ox with a kaleidoscope of fresh blooms at the annual floral extravaganza, Sentosa Flowers 2009. Be enthralled by the magnificent displays of unique flowers and soak in the festive mood on the sunny island! For the first time, the floral displays will be making its way down to the white sandy beaches of Palawan, making it a truly Sentosa experience. And when night falls, be mesmerised by the beauty of lit-up flowers under the starry sky. So come on down to Sentosa with your family and friends, and celebrate Spring at this award-winning festival.”

You Are Awesome In This Place

As we focus on the awesomeness and holiness of almighty God, we see His glory, strength and might. We stand in awe of Him who is so perfect and beautiful. In His goodness, He reveals Himself to us in increasing measure as we draw nearer to Him with each passing day. Common people like you and I can come boldly into the awesome presence of God in worship, prayer and adoration.

You Are Awesome In This Place



As I come into Your presence
Past the gates of praise
Into Your sanctuary
Til we're standing face to face
I look upon Your countenance
I see the glory of Your Holy face
I can only bow down and say

You are awesome in this place, Mighty God
You are awesome in this place, Abba Father
You are worthy of all praise
To You our hands we raise
You are awesome in this place, Mighty God

Agapella

Last Christmas, Monte (my husband) and I were so blessed to catch the singing group Agapella at the Esplanade. It was awesome, their beautiful voices blended so amazingly. They even used their voices to produce the sound of drums, trumpets and even animals. They were so talented.

The following is a short description of their beginning from their website at http://www.agapella.net/Agape/About_Us_Beginnings.html

“In Aug 2002, God tapped Sherman Ong a.k.a “our fearless leader” on the shoulder (which explains the occasional dislocations) and gave him the idea to start an a cappella group. Phone calls were made, a meeting was called, and Agapella was born. Some years, many gigs, countless rehearsals, a few alumni, and even a wedding or two later, here we still are: a bunch of people with diverse characters and occupations, from different churches – but united by the desire to lift up God’s name in music.”

After the enchanting performance, Monte and I chatted with one of the singers. We learnt from him that they do minister in churches and sometimes they will support churches in their evangelistic services. The ministry of song and music is a God given ministry that reaches out to the lost and draws believers closer to our God and Father.

Learning From The Little Ones

About a year ago during my Story Telling Programme at a school in Yio Chu Kang, a little boy brought my attention to the existence of the “liger”. I asked the rest of the class and none of them knew about it. I told the little boy that I will try to find it out. I checked with some people but to no avail. The dictionary did not help either.

Recently I found the answer. The liger is a cat born from the breeding of a male lion and a female tiger.

We have much to learn from children. Their eagerness, enthusiasm, sense of awe and wonder, joy, simplicity and quest for learning never fail to challenge me.

Calvary's Love

Calvary's Love

Calvary's love will sail forever
Bright and shining, strong and free
Like an ark of peace and safety
On the sea of human need

Through the hours of all the ages
Those tired of sailing on their own
Finally rest inside the shadow
Cast by Calvary's love across their souls

Calvary's love, Calvary's love
Priceless gift Christ makes us worthy of
The deepest sin can't rise above
Calvary's love

Calvary's love can heal the Spirit
Life has crushed and cast aside
And redeem til Heaven's promise
Fills with joy once empty eyes
So desire to tell His story
Of a love that loved enough to die
Burns away all other passions
And fed by Calvary's love becomes a fire

Calvary's love has never faltered
All its wonders still remain
Souls still take eternal passage
Sins atoned and heaven gained
Sins forgiven and heaven gained

Caring Teachers

The GCE O Level results was released on Jan 12 this year, Catholic High School did extremely well with a third of their students scoring nine A1s in one sitting. The Principal attributed the success to caring teachers. It is interesting to note that the emphasis is not teaching methodology or excellent curriculum but on their teachers who care for the students. They are not concerned about pushing grades; they influence their students by their lives and passion for teaching. Through their concern and care, they create a conducive environment for learning, growing and developing for those under their charge.

Joy Of Learning

On 3rd and 4th of Nov last year, I had the privilege to conduct a Public Speaking cum Hosting workshop in a school in Telok Blangah area. These children were handpicked to be comperes, hosts or emcees in major school events.

I had a bunch of eager beavers. Those nine year old children already had a full day in school and by the time I saw them in the afternoon, I was surprised that they did not show any sign of tiredness. They were raring to go. I was inspired by their enthusiasm and joy of learning.

In the midst of the training, the children had to make presentations in front of the others. When they made mistakes, I kept reassuring them that it was perfectly fine. I told them that they can make all the mistakes they want. They were so relieved. We had so much fun training together. There was so much laughter that day. Deep in my heart, I believe that these children will go very far in their quest of learning.

Rustic Pulau Ubin

On 29th December last year, along with another couple we went to Pulau Ubin and Chek Jawa. You can read more about Pulau Ubin and Chek Jawa at http://visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en/home/what_to_see/isles_of_singapore/pulau_ubin.htm

We took an enjoyable boat ride over. Upon arrival in Pulau Ubin, we hit the bicycle station. Imagine cycling from about 11am until 6pm with two breaks for drinks and one for lunch. The scenery was absolutely beautiful. Soaking in nature was so relaxing. Though we were completely exhausted, we had so much fun.

He Will Carry You

We live in tumultuous times, never has it been tougher. The word of God strengthens us, He infused us with His strength and grace increasingly when we purpose in our hearts to follow Him all the way. In good and bad times, His faithfulness remains. He carries us when we are not able to walk. The times when we were even too weak to pray; the times when what we see seems utterly bleak and hopeless, yet it is in such times that the Lord reaches out to us in love and rescues, delivers and restores us. Once again, we see the greatness, bigness and wonder of our living God.


He Will Carry You


There is no problem too big
God cannot solve it
There is no mountain too tall
God cannot move it

There is no storm too dark
God cannot calm it
There is no sorrow too deep
He cannot soothe it

Oh, if He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders
I know my brother that He will carry you
Oh, if He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders
I know my sister that He will carry you

He said "Come on to me all who are weary
And I will give you restt"

There is no problem too big
God cannot solve it
There is no mountain too tall
God cannot move it

There is no storm too dark
God cannot calm it
There is no sorrow too deep
He cannot soothe it

Oh, if He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders
I know my brother that He will carry you
Oh, if He carried the weight of the world upon His shoulders
I know my sister that He will carry you
I know my brother and I know my sister that Jesus will carry

A Great Job

My mother has been battling rheumatoid arthritis for many years now. Her osteoporosis aggravated her condition further. In recent years, she had a knee replacement done. It helped greatly.

The paved walk ways with railings on the sloppy areas near her flat in Bukit Panjang as seen in the photos in this post point to the remarkable work of the Town Council. Taking these routes is far easier for her than using the stairs. We are blessed with a good, clean, efficient, capable and caring government. They have done a great job.

A New Year, A New Beginning

Starting the new year with the Lord speaks of optimism, freshness, growth, hope, grace and expectancy. The amazing love of God envelopes and empowers us to live each day with expectancy. We linger in His abiding and sweet presence as He renews and restores us. A fresh new year ahead makes way for the Lord to lead us on victoriously into His purpose and plan for us in year 2009 and beyond.

He Went Beyond What I Could Imagine

I have had the privilege to be in vocal training with different people from all walks of life from age of 12 to 70. Looking back to the journey that the Lord enabled me to embark on, it is amazing to see what the Lord can do when we partner with Him. It brings me tremendous encouragement when I see these people growing and improving, particularly when their confidence in singing grow. I continue to cherish every opportunity that the Lord presents to me. He went beyond what I could imagine.