On 15 April 1912, the Titanic sank and some 1,517 people perished.How could the great Titanic sink?She was strong and formidable; a gigantic ship that blew many people’s minds at that known time. In actual fact, God gave man wisdom and knowledge to build that great ship.
Like the titanic, God in His mercy came into our lives and began the task of building our lives.The life that He builds is not built with wood, steel, glass or other matters.He build us with His love.We are diamonds in the rough, He chisels, mould and shape us into His image.We are built to last.We can do nothing in our own strength but everything through His empowerment and grace.He raised us up to reveal His glory.We will not rest on our laurels but instead strive to reach out to all that God has in stored for us.For He desires to bless us and see His plan fulfilled in our lives.
One of the blessings of marriage is the privilege to know a person extremely well. Apart from God, the person who knows us best is our spouse.
So very often, I hear Monte says: “I read you like a book”. I need not utter a word and he knows what is on my mind or when something is bothering me. This is one of the greatest blessings in marriage. We encourage and uphold each other. We are together on mountaintops and deep valleys. The beautiful thing is these shared experiences bring us closer to the Lord and each other.
Another blessing that I like to highlight is transparency. The Lord models openness to us when He showed us His emotions. There were times when He was in great jubilation. There were hearwrenching moments. He showed His anger. He was filled with compassion. He went through pain and anguish. As the Lord as our model, we learn to relate with openness with each other. We are comfortable to share with our spouse with no fear of judgement. Love conquers all.
Openness is key to a healthy and vibrant marriage. This openness surpassed that which we share with our closest friends. This is the reason why our spouse is our confidante. God has blessed us beyond our wildest imagination.
Lord, You give us life.Every breath that we breathe reveals Your life in us.We are desperate for you because there is no way for us to live apart from You.Your sustaining power and presence is infused into our being.With every ounce of energy, we want to draw nearer to You by the power of Your Spirit.
Every one of us has been through dry patches at one point or another. The parch dry land is a picture of deprivation and barrenness in desperate need of water. Only God has the power to refresh and rejuvenate us. The mighty rushing water of God floods our thirsty souls. He alone can quench our dying thirst.
Yesterday morning, while I was making my way out of my parent’s home after my visit with them, Mickey, as usual, was standing near the grille to send me off. He melted my heart with those soulful eyes. He is so cuddly and adorable.
When Monte (my husband) and I were in Baguio, Philippines in the time from 2000 to 2001, Monte was invited to minister in a church in the mountainous region in Luzon. We had a wonderful time of ministry there.
We were putting up with the pastor and his family. It was very cold up in the mountain, a kind family member of the pastor boiled water for us so we could take our bath.This brought back memories of my own experience.From mid 60’s till the 90’s, my family was residing in Commonwealth Crescent. While growing up, I vividly remember how my mother used to boil water for my father’s bath.A gas water heater came into my home years later.Those were the days of simple living.We certainly had less gadgets and machines but we survived.
In many parts of the world today, water heater is considered a luxury item. Some do not even have access to electricity or telephone lines to begin with.And what about clean drinking water.Most people in developed countries are so used to the convenience and comfort of modern day living. Pampered with modern amenities and facilities, we often take things for granted.Suddenly everything becomes a necessity.Now we need more when the latest model comes into the market.
Someone once said that “Luxury Once Enjoyed Becomes a Necessity”.Our expectations rise with the increase of income.Money is useful if we use it as a servant but if it has a hold on us then we are in danger.The high life that people in affluent societies lived can be glamorous and enticing.But it may breed pride, arrogance and greed.We would be better off to have lesser in life than to have plenty in distress.I want to be sensitive to look at the other end of the spectrum.I have known rich people who are humble and generous.They are actively loving and serving Jesus with all of their hearts.God overcame mammon.
One day, I overheard a conversation between a middle aged woman enquiring on a job opportunity at a beverage stall in a shopping mall. She was told that she can make $4 per hour. A quick calculation yields a daily pay of $32 should she put in eight hours of work.That is hard earned money.
Earlier in the year, while tuning into a mandarin radio station, a listener called the station to share about his work life.He was a delivery man who worked very long hours, seven days a week. The only day he took a break was on the first day of the Chinese New Year.Many people sacrificed and slog for long hours to bring the bacon home.
Many of our parents toil all day long to provide for their families. They work hard to put food on the table and give their children a good education providing for them often at the expense of their own needs and wants.We must honour and appreciate our parents for their love and sacrifice for us.
When our minds are set on Christ, we are consumed by Him. He fills us through and through. We leave no room for malice, rage, envy, bitterness, brutality and impurity. leave no foothold for the enemy of our soul to enter and attack us.
Phil 4:8
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.”
The Lord purifies us from within. The refining fire of God cleanses us. The search light of God penetrates powerfully through every facet of our lives. He fills us with His goodness. His mercy reigns in us.
Our merciful God picks us up and bring the best out of our broken lives. We can declare that God is good.
We are just diamonds in the rough, the end product is absolutely gorgeous and magnificent. His work continues until we see Him in glory.
Last Sunday, Monte (my husband) and I, along with my family were at Ivin’s (Peranakan restaurant) to celebrate mother’s day.We had a great time with the family.
I have been reflecting on how God has blessed me with my mother.She has always been a kind woman. My two brothers and I were brought up to respect and be kind to people and to always look out for others.
All these years, she has faithfully cared for the family.She has been a pillar to us in many ways.Her sacrificial love and care remain even though my brothers and I are no longer children.She constantly looks out for us. We are always on her mind.
Yesterday, I popped by my parents place. Mickey was not in a good mood. He even refused the chicken that I offered him. It was unusual. One of the reasons of his moodiness could be because he was looking for my father. My father left home early yesterday morning to attend to some matters and when he left the house Mickey was not awake then. Mickey has won over our hearts. He is such a blessing to us.
The Lord is the one who opens doors of ministry for us.He shows us His heart when we avail ourselves to Him without reservation.As a channel of His divine love, we become the extension of the hand of God to touch people around us.
Monte (my husband) and I have the wonderful privilege to reach out to different people that the Lord brought into our paths.We have reached out to terminally ill people.We are challenged to see terminally ill Christians who fight their way through the raging battle. Armed with added strength from the Lord they battle their physical ailments against all odds.Physically their bodies may be weakened and ravaged by disease but their spiritual health is intact because their eyes are on Jesus.The wonder working power of God is at work.Though some of these people have gone home to be with the Lord, their testimonies lived long after them to reveal God’s love and faithfulness.
I thank God for the opportunity to be a voice trainer.I am privileged to meet people from all walks of life who range from the age of 12 up to aged 70.
I had a great time at my last vocal training with Cornerstone Community Church which ended on 30 April 2009..I was greatly encouraged by the joy and enthusiasm of my brothers and sisters there.
The testimonials from my past trainees and workshop attendees bring me tremendous encouragement and motivation. I continue to trust and look to the Lord for He is the one who gives me the strength, grace and ability. He spurs me on to give my best and has blessed me beyond my wildest imagination.
The following are some testimonials that I deeply appreciated because these people have taken time from their busy schedule to drop me these words:
“After the vocal training, I am now more confident in singing, at least I dare to sing louder then before and with more expression.Thanks for teaching us the techniques of singing.
May God continue to bless you and your work.”
Rosie Lee
"I begin to enjoy singing with a louder voice. Thank you Sister Jee Fong."
Paul Png
"We have definitely learnt a lot through this course. It has helped us to project our voice better and we have also discovered many new insights. We will surely look forward to attend such courses in the future. Cheers to you our coach!!"
Janet Koh
"A committed and dedicated teacher to her craft, Jee Fong believes that everyone has a singing voice that just needs the correct techniques to bring it out. I thoroughly enjoyed the training sessions with her and gained a better understanding on how to "stretch " my vocal range."
Michelle Chau
"Indeed I feel that the training is fruitful and useful to me. Sis Jee Fong has made it so interesting and practical that I can put into practice right away. After attending the training, it has given me more confidence in delivering the songs and I am able to express better. Thank u Sis Jee Fong. Hereby, I would like to give thanks and praise to the Lord for giving me the opportunity to attend this training. God bless one and all!"
Cheralyn Lim
"I can feel the passion that Jee Fong has in wanting to impart all the knowledge that she has to the participants that comes to her class. Personally, her desire to make sure that her participants understood and grasped what she was teaching touched me the most"
Lilian Lee
"Hi! Your vocal training has helped me in singing properly and with confidence. I will continue to use the techniques to improve on my weak areas. I used to have sore throat after two hours of singing. I have learnt that I have exerted on the wrong muscle and lack warm up. Now with proper practice and knowledge of taking care of my vocal cord. I am able to speak properly after 2 hours of singing. I must thank Jee Fong for her Marvellous GIFT in Vocal Training."
Hong Demei
"It is most liberating to be able to sing with confidence without getting hoarse or worse, a sore throat. Now I can worship with greater joy!"
Frances Goh
"My greatest achievement is knowing Christ. And that He loves me and you."
Goh Hong Eng
"After several meetings, I can sing loudly and confidently. It is an enjoyable experience to work with you."
Clifford Mario
"Jee Fong's classes enabled me to learn how to use my voice better and to realise that good speech not only included using one's voice correctly but that it was necessary to have the right posture and use correct breathing techniques as well. Jee Fong's personality is also warm and engaging which made the personalised classes all that more enriching to attend."
Bhawani
"I've attended the voice training sessions with hopes of improving my foundational techniques and I have improved since. Now when i sing for longer periods of time, my voice does not feel the strain and tiredness. Praise God!"
Vincent Kwok
"It was an eye opener for me. I was not aware of the intricate details of maintaining vocal quality. A great help for me, as a trainer."
Selvarajoo Vadivelu
"Thank you for coaching us in vocal and singing techniques. It had been a fun time. We found the sessions refreshing, enjoyable and relaxing as we are comfortable with you. You have been very helpful and patient. May the Lord bless and extend this area of your passion and ministry for His glory."
Monte (my husband) loves cats. It is more accurate to say that he is crazy about cats. As for me, up till today, you will find me fleeing when a cat comes near.
Last Saturday morning, while we were at Changi Village, we were surprised to find a group of cats near a bus stop.Nine cats to be exact.They were adorable.Monte had so much fun playing with them.Cats are by and large very affectionate and warm, but once in a while we run into cats that are moody and prefer to be left alone.
God is a dream builder. When we turn our lives over to His Lordship, He begins His work in restoring and building our dreams.
Dreams are birthed by the power of God's Spirit. In His mercy, God births His dreams in our hearts.
The Hope of glory, the Rock of Ages steps into our broken lives and gives us meaning and purpose to live. He gives us new perspective and crystal clear vision. He opens our eyes to His wonders.
Our hearts flood with exuberant praise and adoration for Him. The dream builder breathes life into our being. He plunges us deeper into His grace. We see His glory in ever increasing intensity and depth. As we journey with our Maker, we experience life in the power of His Spirit.
Lord, we want to see You high and lifted up. Help us to rise up with new strength. We want to soar with eagle's wings. We want to lean on Your strong and mighty arms. We want to see Your glory and Your grace.
From 5 Feb to 30 March 2009, I had the privilege to conduct speech and drama training to some amazing eight year girls for two classes in the Bukit Timah Area.I was in training with them on weekly class.The girls were very infectious and eager to learn.I was encouraged by their enthusiasm.
On the final session, I saw a girl who on the verge of tears because that was my last class with them.I knew that I would miss them as much as they would miss me.Children have a way to warm our hearts.
At the end of my time with one of the classes, the form teacher who had been sitting in in most of my training sessions gathered the children together and led them in a cheer in appreciation of me.I was speechless. I was so touched by the kind and encouraging gesture of that teacher.It certainly was a sweet surprise.
I thank God for song writers that God uses, they write songs that help bring us into the Lord's presence in our times of praise and worship.
In recent years, I have difficulties learning some new worship choruses.One of the reasons might be because they are difficult to learn.Some may have weak melodies while others may be too wordy.
We need sold congregational songs that help us to pour our hearts out to the Lord.We need songs that enable us to enter into the holy of holies.The sad fact is that some song writers today may be trapped in the money making thing. They write songs that the market wants.The lure of money and fame may be an issue here.
I pray that God will touch the hearts of Christian song writers to produce songs from the throne room of God; songs from the heart of God and songs that are birthed by the Spirit. God will use His songs to touch and transform us increasingly.Lord, bring Your songs back to our churches, Your heavenly songs and melodies that we may glorify You and proclaim Your greatness.
In the course of my enrichment training in schools since 2006, I have the privilege to develop friendships with many amazing fellow trainers. I am enriched by their lives and experiences. Recently, one of them shared with me about an incident in a primary school. She was training some poor children and she was shocked to learn that some of them had never tasted a muffin. Or rather, some do not know what muffins were. She determined in her heart that she would buy some for them to eat. When this trainer related the whole incident to me, my heart not only went out to these poor children but also for the heart of people of this dear lady. The muffins came from her heart.
We need You more with each passing moment. We need You increasingly. We need You perpetually. We need You desperately.
Show us Your mercy. Show us Your grace. Had it not been for Your loving kindness, we would have despaired.
Our breath is full of Your love. Every breath is full of Your mercy. Every breath is full of Your grace.
I Need You More
I need You more
More than yesterday
I need You more
More than words can say
I need You more
Than ever before
I need You, Lord
I need You, Lord
More than the air I breathe
More than the song I sing
More than the next heartbeat
More than anything
And Lord, as time goes by
I'll be by Your side
'Cause I never want to go back to my old life
I need You more
More than yesterday
I need You more
More than words can say
I need You more
Than ever before
I need You, Lord
I need You, Lord
For four days last month, I made a trip with my parents to Genting Highlands in Malaysia.We had a wonderful time.The breathtaking view was absolutely amazing.My elderly parents had a relaxed time there and we ate and rested so well.
Upon arrival back in Singapore, Monte (my husband) and I were both sharing that it was difficult to be apart from each other though it was only for a short four days, it seemed like a long time of separation.One day, our life on earth will end, either I will leave before Monte or the other way round.For sure, it will be very difficult for either of us because we have grown so close to each other over the years.
I thank God for the opportunity to conduct vocal training at Cornerstone Community Church last month.I do not take training opportunities likely for the simple reason that there are many vocal coaches around but the opportunity was given to me.
One of greatest joy in vocal training is to see people improving and growing.Learning is a lifelong process that we embark on.As I look back to my past training, all I see is the enablement and grace of the Lord.
