Tender Loving Care

Some time ago, Monte and I were visiting some friends living in Sengkang where we are residing. They are a Christian couple with two lovely young children. We had a wonderful time fellowshipping with them. While we were taking our leave, they gave us some seeds from one of their potted plants.

We later planted the seeds into some soil and it took a while for germination to take its course. On the surface, nothing very much seemed to be happening. Then one day, we were delighted to see a green shoot emerging. The plant grew and at different times, flowers have even bloomed.

As I observe this precious plant, it speaks to me about the tender, loving care of the Lord. He picked us up, nurtured and loved us to life. His loving hands protect and comfort us when our hearts are torn. He saw our nakedness and helplessness and He came and poured in the oil and the wine. He gave us beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning. He filled our mouths with laughter and made us whole again. Nothing in this temporal world can replace His place on the throne of our hearts. We rely completely on the Lord of our life.

Opera in the Park

On 19 June 2010, Monte and I caught to an amazing performance called Opera in the Park at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. We never get tired of the many musical events that the Singapore Botanic Gardens displayed. Like many in the audience, we ate our dinner while soaking in the melodious songs and music in the great outdoor.

Rooted in His Love

When our love is rooted in the love of God, we will always feel safe and secure. His love empowers and strengthens us. The storms of life cannot destroy us as long as we are deeply rooted in His love. Tragedy may hit us but our Saviour’s great love and grace always cover us. He protects us from all harm and danger. He is our defender and helper in time of need. His supreme love is endless, beautiful and great.

For the Sake of Knowing Christ

For the sake of knowing Christ, many have traveled thousands of miles from their homeland to fulfill the call of God in their lives. Many have left their comfort zones; many have changed career paths and sacrificed. Yet, I have never once heard a servant of God regretting serving the Lord. On the contrary, the fire in their hearts burn stronger when they love and serve God with no reservation. Whatever sacrifice they make pales in comparison with all that the Lord has done. The blessing and joy of giving continue to pour forth as they abandon themselves completely into the loving embrace of the Father. Nothing we have done for the Lord is wasted; He uses every circumstance and situation to reveal His awesomeness and goodness.

Savouring Every Moment

God gives us this life. As we journey with the lover of our soul, we are mindful that He keeps us close to Him with every step we take. Some journeys can be fun and ecstatic, some challenging, and others unforgettable. We want to reach our destination but more importantly, I believe we must learn to savour every moment of the journey, the happy and the sad, the highs and the lows, the beautiful and the ugly or even the distasteful and the pleasant. We are on an amazing adventure of our lifetime. The Lord widens our horizons and deepens our understanding when we allow Him to teach and guide us. He makes every day memorable and wonderful. It is a miracle to be alive in light of the millions upon millions of impoverished people struggling for their daily existence in search for food and water. We have much to thank God for.

The Shepherd's Heart

While we were in the Philippines, the Lord graciously opened doors for us to minister. One time, Monte was preaching at a church on the mountain. The pastor there was a wonderful man. We learned that the pastor’s wife was taken ill for a prolong period. Along with another church member, we visited her at home. The pastor’s house was next to the church.

It is one thing to minister when things are going smoothly. However, for that dear pastor, he ministered with the burden of having to look after a sick wife. He kept on track because God empowered him daily.

Oftentimes, pastors brave through tremendous difficulties and trying circumstances to serve the Lord. They persevered in the face of a sick family member, a wayward teenage child, a backslidden loved one or other insurmountable challenges that weigh heavily upon their hearts. The love of God compels them to keep going on. God has put within each one of them His shepherd’s heart. They will not hold back in fear and discouragement but surge forward through His might and strength.

Hands of Grace

I love to capture beautiful clouds in the sky with my camera. God has blessed us with beautiful things and we stand in awe and wonder before Him. He made all things. He holds all things together. He is the beginning and the end. The Alpha and Omega. Apart from Him, we can do nothing. Geoff Bullock in his book, Hands of Grace, put it so beautifully when he said: “It seems to me that when I am found at my lowest, my weakest, and my worst, there I find God in His highest, His strongest and His best.”

Our God is never far away. He waits patiently for us to draw near to Him. He draws us by the wooing of His gentle Spirit all because He first loved us. He will walk us till the end of the road.

Breathtaking Sunset

Monte and I were cycling in Sengkang two days ago. I captured a beautiful sunset. The glorious view was breathtaking and awesome. We behold the beauty and glory of the Lord daily through amazing His creation. All creation worship You, Lord!

Unwavering Love

If we want to know about someone, the best person to ask is none other than the person's spouse. A married couple knows each other thoroughly. They see each other at their best and their worst. Their unconditional love is not dependent on changes in status, financial standing or career paths. They show constant support and encouragement and cover each other in loving prayer. The love relationship between a couple is built on Christ the solid rock. The firm foundation brings stability and strength to the lasting bond that God so graciously put together. With persevering, undying and unwavering love, a godly couple will live in the overflowing grace of our loving God and Father.

She takes Pride in what She does

Through a pre-operation check-up before my mother’s cataract condition, we learnt that she has diabetes. Subsequently we have seeing a wonderful dietician regularly. She is such a blessing. Every time we see her, she was cheerful, pleasant and helpful. She painstakingly runs through my mother’s daily diet from breakfast down to the last meal. The Lord brings people into our path to help us in various circumstances. As for my mother’s drastic change in dietary patterns and need, the kind help and guidance of this amazing dietician helps tremendously. She certainly takes pride in what she does.

Always Enough

God gave the children of Israel fresh manna for each day and should they keep any for the next, the manna would turn bad. A lesson we can draw from here is that the Lord provides for our daily needs and we are never to worry about tomorrow and the day after. Interestingly, being human we sometimes worry about things that have not happened or things we imagine will happen upon empty speculation. Faith dwindles when we fail to put our trust in God. Crippling fear overwhelms us and paralyses us when we can rest soundly and safely in His love and providence.

Monte and I have constantly reminded ourselves that God is truly our provider. Without His providence, we would never have paid off our wedding, Monte’s further education in Asia Pacific Theological Seminary, purchasing and setting up home in Sengkang, Singapore. He amazes us and continues to provide for us. Every time a bill pops up, we are mindful that the Lord provides for our every need. He is Jehovah Jireh, our provider. He is always enough.