Entering 2011 with a Bounce in our Feet

This is the last day before 2011 comes rolling in. As I reflect on all that has transpired in this year, I stand amazed at the faithfulness and goodness of the Lord. He sees Monte and I through our challenges. We lean on the strong arms of the Lord for His sustaining power brings us strength and hope daily.

The road ahead may be tough but we have purposed in our hearts to focus on the Lord. We take one-step at a time placing our full confidence in Him, our covenant maker, our helper and source of strength and eternal hope. He is the reason why we are entering 2011 with a bounce in our feet and a song in our heart. Thank you, Lord!

Food never Fails to do the Job

I captured Mickey in this picture when I was feeding him. He responded immediately to my command to sit. Food never fails to do the job. He is simply adorable.

Heart Melting Moment

Mickey was looking on sadly as I took my departure from my parent's flat. That was one heart melting moment.

He has a Part in This

I am thankful for the opportunity to embark on the Advanced Certificate in Training and Assessment (ACTA) programme this October. By the Lord’s grace, I have cleared two of the six modules. A week ago, I headed to the Institute of Adult Learning to collect one of the certificates.

I thank God for Monte who has been instrumental in encouraging me to go on the ACTA programme. He has a part in this. I could never have done it without him. He is concerned about every aspect of my life and well-being. Love, support and encouragement are some of foundational stones of our marriage. He does not stop at believing but he goes all out to help me reach my full potential.

Pure Nostalgia

The Restart Button

There is no limit to the number of times one can press the restart button of our life. Starting life anew takes on a great significance for everyone who truly puts his trust in God. A God of second chance; a God who would never break a bruised reed. He restores the broken walls of our life and makes all things new. A God of hope and strength. A God of who aced in performing miracles and wonders.

The days ahead may not be all rosy but the Lord promised us His holy Spirit, who will guide and lead us to the purposes and plans that God has in store for His precious children. We press ahead in courage knowing that the God who began the good work in us will bring it to completion.

He Wants Us

The Lord wants us. He multiplies our gifts and talents and uses them for His glory. Some of us are good at working with children, others with teenagers and young adults. Some are good at relating to the elderly. No matter what our strength is, it is never too small and insignificant. The Lord will use them all.

A person with a megawatt smile exudes a sense of warmth and very soon the ushering team leader will come a knocking to see if you would be keen to be a part of the ushering team. I have seen church members who do their part in washing communion cups.Others have availed their help to arrange chairs before a service.Loving service is an act of servant hood. The mark of a leader is servant hood.

The Lord wants our faithful love and service. He wants our allegiance. Serving God is for our own good as we mature in the Lord through serving the body of Christ. We develop strength, tenacity and learn to relate to our brethrens when we work as a team. Serving God will enlarge our capacity to embrace and accept people who may be different from us.

Living In Exciting Days

On my way out of flat today, I ran into my elderly neighbor at a nearby playground. We chatted a little and she was asking me if I am aware of a church that has a Cantonese service and I promised to check for her. Apparently, she has been going to a church in woodlands with her daughter and husband. She is looking for a church nearer home.

In our conversation earlier today, I learnt that my neighbour’s husband is battling cancer and it has taken a toll of him. Meanwhile, upon her daughter’s invitation, that elderly couple have been attending the Cantonese service at the woodland church. I was also glad to clarify some misunderstanding on giving when she queried. I am glad that she opened up to me.

My run in with my neighbour is an answer to prayer. Monte and I will pray as often as we can that the Lord will use us as His vessel. At times when the opportunity arises, I seize the opportunity and make friendly conversations with people in the neighbourhood and my dear husband would tease me and call my the MP of Sengkang. Please do not get me wrong, I am no MP. What Monte is trying to drive at is that “I seem to be talking to everyone.”

A friend once shared that she would pray daily for the Lord to lead her to someone each day where she can point that person to Jesus. Being a carrier and courier of God’s presence takes on meaning when we allow the blessing of the Lord to flow through us.

One to two weeks ago, a christian neighbour who is residing near my block came to me and openly share some private medical condition without my asking. She is still in the midst of consultation with the specialist but she had the faith for the Lord to touch her. The Lord brought people into my path.

Back to what God is doing. We acknowledge that these are signs of God’s goodness. The word of God says that many will call on the name of the Lord in the last days. God will bring people into our paths. They will come knocking on our doors. They want what we have. And that is none other than the precious and awesome presence of the Lord. We are living in these exciting days, the Lord longs to minister in and through you and I.  As I am typing this on my computer, my heart is overwhelmed by the bigness and goodness of our awesome God.

Good and the Bad

Facebook is not new to anyone from a child to a grandparent. Its reach and influence are penetrating into our everyday living. Some speak of fasting from Facebook, which means that he is not going on it for a period of time for reasons known to him.

Recently, the buzz online are the effects that Facebook has on its users especially for those who are heavy Facebook users. To clear the air, Facebook has been a wonderful tool in establishing and renewing friendships and contact with people globally. Here are some good things that came out of Facebook. Families have drawn closer to each other, friendships are strengthened. Bridges were built. Relationships have improved in many fronts. However, it is obvious that anything that may be good and beneficial can also be dangerous and harmful.

This morning, I was tuning in to a mandarin counseling programme on the radio. Please take note that the name of wife in the case is undisclosed for confidentiality. The counselor cited the case of a wife who was contemplating divorce because she was terribly affected by her husband who has been contacting another woman via Facebook in the night. She had trouble sleeping and ultimately contacted that counselor to address the private matter that was bothering her. Meanwhile, the husband was not cooperating because he did not see any wrong in relating intimately to this other woman on Facebook. He may even feel that his wife is unreasonable and sensitive.

The case brought out the urgency to address possible and imminent problems that can emerge with human frailty and the lack of discernment, self-control and vigilance.

It is increasing dangerous to find a pop up to ask if one likes to flirt with a total stranger when all you want to do is to take a look at the birthday calendar. Here, we are talking about the danger when Facebook users can be children. Our children are therefore exposed to unnecessary danger and temptation.

It is for this reason that when I set up my vocal training website, I had to put this down:

PLEASE NOTE

All advertisements & pop-ups are not representative of us!

For the simple reason that I have absolutely no control of any advertisement, that may appear at my website.

Let Everything within me Praise the Lord

The last time when the haze problem was at its peak, I was in the midst of of a bad bout of flu. The haze may have worsened my flu attack. One of the most unexpected thing happened, I completely loss my sense of smell for at least two weeks. Eating was a very different experience because without smelling the food, it does not feel right. When I was hungry, I had my fill but I did not enjoy my meal. Somehow, it was not a complete experience.

In our experience of worshipping the Lord, He makes use of all our senses.  For those who are good at music, we express our love to the Lord through our music. For artists who excel in art, they give their art to the Lord in worship. For actors who are good at acting, they offer their art form to the Lord. Singers sing to the lover of their soul.  Dancers dance for Him.

The Lord engages all our senses to bring us closer to Him.  We give our thoughts and pour out our heart to the Lord.  No matter where we are, and whatever situation we find ourselves in, we declare that everything within us praise and magnify our great and magnificent God.  And the world may see Him through us.

Jolly Good Time

After visiting my parents yesterday afternoon, I made my way to meet Monte in town. I had one of the most memorable and interesting encounter with our adorable mammal friend at the bus stop. He was surely having a jolly good time. He made himself at home; all stretched out and comfortable. He captivated all the people around him. When he attempted to get near us, everyone fled. I have always thought that monkeys are fearful of us but it seems it is the other way round.

Awakened to His Love

Recently, Monte and I were not paying attention to our potted plants and to cut the long story short, they soon withered away. Gardening is work though therapeutic; watering and fertilizing the soil go a long way to keep the plants healthy.

In many ways, Christian life is like growing plants. If we neglect our Christian life, we are bound for sure danger.  Our senses are dulled; vibrancy and joy of the Lord are no longer evident. Life becomes mundane and challenges are magnified out of proportion.

Yet, in all that we may be going through, we are certain that our loving God patiently waits for us. He awakens us to His love. When we allow the gentle nudge of His Spirit to touch us, His refreshing and rejuvenating presence dispel all doom and gloom.  The Lord reminds us that we will triumph in Him. Fear loses its hold on us; our hope is alive as long as we cling on to Jesus.  For our great King surges before us holding the banner of victory over us. We are not alone, the battle belongs to the Lord and for this reason; we persevere and hold on to His truth. We must be strong in His Spirit in these last days when evil prevails in disproportionate extent. In this hour, the Lord declares His everlasting love for us.