Be yourself with God

Once again, I'm enlightened.

I remember how I comforted I felt when a dear friend prayed for me when I was in alot of pain. The short yet simple prayer led a powerful sense of peace to my being. I was yet a Christian then. She was a real sweetheart to come all the way to my house to pray with me.

There were times when I pray and I dun feel like I've really communicated all my thoughts properly in my prayers.

Now, its the step by step guide to teach me how!

Isn't God just wonderful? He knows! Yes He REALLY knows me!

I just love Him!

Try it?
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Monday, April 12, 2010
Be yourself with God
by Rick Warren
When you pray, do not use a lot of meaningless words, as the pagans do, who think that their gods will hear them because their prayers are long. Do not be like them. Your Father already knows what you need before you ask him. Matthew 6:5-15 (TEV)
"Jesus says don't get caught up in ritual prayer. You can't impress God with fancy language, and you shouldn't be trying to impress other people either. "

God created you and so he wants you to be the real you. By being authentic when you speak to God, you worship him as you Creator.

For years I copied the prayers of other people. I noticed they used certain words and even a special tone of voice. I imitated all the religious clichés: "Lead, guide and direct us, O Lord." "Bless this food to the nourishment of our bodies." "Bless the gift and the giver."

In New Testament times, prayers were wordy, meaningless rituals. There was no spontaneity, no genuineness. But Jesus says don't get caught up in ritual prayer. You don't have to use fancy language. You can't impress God with fancy language, and you shouldn't be trying to impress other people either.

I love to hear new Christians pray -- no pious pomposity. They haven't learned the clichés yet. They just say, "Hi, God. It's me." That's how you make contact with God. You just talk with your Heavenly Father about what's on your mind. Just pray your heart. Reveal yourself.

Imagine I walked in the door one evening and my kids said: "O, almighty procreator of our family. How wonderful thou art, who sovereignly deposits our allowance to us. Oh, the majesty of thy wonderful self! We beseech thee to come eat dinner with us." I'd check their temperatures to see if they were sick! I don't want to hear that. I want them to say, "Hey! Dad's home. Good to see you, Pop!"

I'm not saying to be flippant in prayer, but that's how you make contact with God. You just talk with him in a genuine and heartfelt way.

Jesus gives us a model we can use as we learn to make contact with God. Over the next few days, we'll look at six things we can talk to God about when we pray.

Be real and be relaxed with God

I never knew that I can fall in love with a being whom I've not seen with my own eyes nor hear from Him directly.

But He has shown me that I CAN!

I was surviving on adrenaline for the past 2 days, i tried to calm myself down but cant seems to find a way to. In my mind, I was asking Jesus to help me, but in reality I was really trying on my own to do it. Because I dun seem to have located the right "methodology".

Then God unfailingly showed me how to do it! Step by Step, just how I can understand it!

NO, I dun mean that God appeared infront of me and held a conversation with me with numbered steps about it.

Instead, He inspired the authors of a daily devotion to write this piece, made the publisher publish this piece on this very very faithful day just when I need it!

Imagine the mechanics that this has to go through for it to work realistically?

WHAT are the chances that the authors knew that I have a need to calm down with specific instructions?

What are the chances that the publishers chose this article to be published on this day?

Multiply those just those two factors together and then you'll wonder now.... what are the chances???

Who can have such a powerful presence to influence so many chain events to occur for me to read this article on this day?

Only God can!

Now, isn't that true love? He moved this world for me just so that He can show me how much He loves me. :D

Start talking to Jesus today and ask him to show you How much Our Father loves you! And if you are feeling anxious, you can always try this out.....

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Sunday, April 11, 2010
Be real and be relaxed with God
by Rick Warren
Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." Psalm 46:10 (NLT)
"Take a deep breath and try to forget anyone or anything that's around you and just focus in on God for a minute."

Hurry is the death of prayer. If you rush through all your prayers, it will kill your prayer life.

I have a habit in my prayer life, before I pray any prayer -- it is almost spontaneous -- that I take a deep breath. I just relax, settle down, and let go of any tension. Then, I'm ready to talk God.

So, when you pray - relax. Take a deep breath and try to forget anyone or anything that's around you and just focus in on God for a minute. Calm yourself down and get still: "Be still, and know that I am God!" (Psalm 46:10, NLT)

Jesus sat in Martha's house, but she was so busy, she couldn't stop to talk to him and enjoy his company. Jesus said, "Martha, Martha! You are worried and troubled over so many things, but just one is needed. Mary has chosen the right thing, and it will not be taken away from her." Mary chose to relax at the feet of Jesus, listening to him while "Martha was distracted ...." (Luke 10:40, NIV)

Be real and relaxed, "go to your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what you do in private, will reward you." (Matthew 6:6, TEV)

Easter means Jesus paid for our sins

Can't help but feel overwhelmed with happiness as I read this passage.

I pray for you to feel the joy that rushes through my blood knowing that I'm precious! Yes, so are you!

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Monday, April 05, 2010
Easter means Jesus paid for our sins
by Rick Warren
Through the blood of his Son, we are set free from our sins. God forgives our failures because of his overflowing kindness. Ephesians 1:7 (GWT)
"Everything you've ever done wrong, everything you're ever going to do wrong, things you haven't even thought of yet, all those sins have already been paid for by Jesus Christ as he died on the cross. "

Jesus' death and resurrection paid for our sins.

There have been a lot of great religious teachers throughout history. They've all had good things to say, but what makes Jesus different from every other religious teacher throughout history is the fact that he died and rose again.

That's of critical importance because it's not the life of Jesus that saves you; it's not the teachings of Jesus that save you; it's his death and resurrection that open the door for your salvation.

Jesus died for your sins. The Bible says we've all blown it. We've all made mistakes. None of us is perfect. That's pretty obvious; I don't measure up to my own standards much less God's. We have all sinned.

The Bible says that justice demands punishment. If you do the crime, you pay the time. If you break the law, you pay the fine. If you get caught speeding, you get a ticket. If you break God's laws, you pay God's penalty and, according to the Bible, "the wages [for our] sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 6:23 NLT).

In other words, somebody has to pay for all the things you've done wrong in life: either you pay or somebody else pays for you. And this is where God says, "I'll do it!" He steps up to the plate. Jesus Christ is sent to earth—God in human form—and he says, in effect, "I will pay for your sins."

Here's the good news: Everything you've ever done wrong, everything you're ever going to do wrong, things you haven't even thought of yet, all those sins have already been paid for by Jesus Christ as he died on the cross: "Through the blood of his Son, we are set free from our sins. God forgives our failures because of his overflowing kindness" (Ephesians 1:7 GWT).

When Jesus died on the cross for you, it showed two things:

It showed how much your forgiveness cost. The highest price you can pay for anything is to give your life for it. And that's what Jesus did. He gave his blood. He gave his life. It was extremely expensive. Grace is free but it is not cheap. It cost Jesus his life, but he paid for your sins.
It shows how much God values you. It shows how much you matter to God. Jesus died for you on the cross. It shows the highest price possibly to be paid was giving a life.
How much are you worth? Jesus says, with his arms stretched out on the cross, "This much I'm willing to die for you." You may think that you're worthless because of things you've done wrong. But Jesus says, "No. You're priceless. And I'm willing to give my life in order to pay for your sins."

Don’t trade your life for temporary things

I was just sharing with a dear friend on how God reach out to each of us differently. For me, God has always used words, daily devotions to answer my queries.

The past 2 weeks has been quite a nightmare for us (me & my dear friend). We were caught up in a biz transaction that took us on a 2 week roller coaster ride. We had sleepless nights, worrying about what might happen and how do we try our best to savage the deal. It was such a traumatizing time for me, I could not sleep well at night, at most just 4hours of sleep as compared to my usual 8-10hours. I used to just fall asleep on the bed but I lie in bed wondering if there was anything more I can do or what went wrong. I jump out of bed in the wee hours of the night checking my email for the "promised email from the other party" which never came. I lived 2 weeks of my life checking my mobile phone for messages, emails or phone calls.

I couldn't eat a proper meal. I fell ill twice in that 14days, had fever and felt cold all over. I was not just physically exhausted but also mentally exhausted. My whole mind was just filled to its brim with this case. It was causing harm to not just my personal health but my marital health as well. My hubby says that I'm physically here but mentally not around.

Finally, we got some sort of a break from the case and I got the much needed rest. And I asked myself why am I into that?
What should my focus be? Slowly but surely, God unfolded the answers before me.

Thank you God for once again using words to encourage me, to help me focus on You and what's important.

Thank you for sending Jesus to live amongst us, sacrifice for our sins and show us how to be a better person.

Happy Easter to all!

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Sunday, April 04, 2010
On Mission: Don’t trade your life for temporary things
by Rick Warren
There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:18 (MSG)
""What are you allowing to stand in the way of your mission? "

So much of what we waste our energy on will not matter even a year from now, much less for eternity. Don't trade your life for temporary things.

Jesus said, "Anyone who lets himself be distracted from the work I plan for him is not fit for the Kingdom of God." (Luke 9:62, TLB). Paul warned, "Deal as sparingly as possible with the things the world thrusts on you. This world as you see it is on its way out." (1 Corinthians 7:31, MSG)

What are you allowing to stand in the way of your mission? Whatever it is, let it go. "Let us strip off anything that slows us down or holds us back..." (Hebrews 12:1, TLB)

How can we do this? In one of his most misunderstood statements, Jesus said, "I tell you, use worldly wealth to gain friends for yourselves, so that when it is gone, you will be welcomed into eternal dwellings." (Luke 16:9, NIV)

Jesus did not mean for you to "buy" friends with money. What he meant was that you should use the money God gives you to bring people to Christ. They will then be friends for eternity who will welcome you when you get to heaven! It's the best financial investment you'll ever make.

You've probably heard the expression "You can't take it with you"- but the Bible says you can send it on ahead, by investing in people who are going there! The Bible says, "By doing this they will be storing up real treasure for themselves in heaven--it is the only safe investment for eternity! And they will be living a fruitful Christian life down here as well." (1 Timothy 6:19, TLB)

Living with our past

We came across a piece of lip training device that have been scientifically proven to solve a few issues. Oya the director for Parataka lip trainer explained the importance of para-sympathetic nervous control with sympathetic nervous control in our body. He share with us how 3-4 times training of our lips with their patented lip trainer can help reduce snoring after a couple of weeks, reduce morning dry throat syndrome, choking syndrome etc.

This lip trainer acts to strengthen some facial muscles which leads to training the para-sympathetic nervous system. With the strengthen facial muscles, it opens up the airways to the nasal pathways, increasing blood flow to the brain. As a result, one will wake up feeling fresher.

He also explained why some people have sudden quicken heart rates, this is due the the drop in oxygen levels to the brain and therefore the brain tells the heart to beat faster to increase the blood flow thereby increasing the oxygen levels to the brain. We all know that oxygen is require to sustain our very complex neural system. Otherwise, we'll be vegetables, brain dead.

This device is said to reduce high blood pressure, reduce snoring at night, reduce frequency to the bathroom, reduce choking syndrome, improve Alzheimer's disease, down syndrome, autism, speech and many more.

More information can be found here.

Why Living with our past as the title of this blog?

Because we came across this device together with Godma. Godpa left us last Nov, some of the difficulties he was experiencing were swallowing food. This lip trainer would have given him more relief from eating his favourite food if he had used it. Godma was once again saddened. You can sense that disappointment of WHY din we find this earlier?

Once a person leaves us, we cannot turn back the clock. There'll be endless times when we asks ourselves why din we do something for that person. Why din we come across something earlier.

We are only human. Only we ourselves know whether we've done beyond our best in any occasions. God knows that too! And He knows us before we know ourselves. Its all part of God's plan for each of our experiences, be it good or bad. We pass on what we've learnt and pray that our loved ones would not commit the same mistakes that we did. And if after trying our best, they still do, we can only interpret it as part of God's plan for them. It is not for us or anyone to decide what another person does. We can only do our best for them.

And when we've done our best, we'll have to learn to stop torturing ourselves with all the "what ifs". Instead, learn to really widen our horizons and move on. Focus on what's ahead, what's important.

God, I pray for strength to carry on each day, looking forward to what You have put in place for me. I know that You will not let me walk alone in the dark shadows nor leave alone to face adversities. God I pray that you'll give us wisdom to learn what is important and what is not for our days ahead. God I also pray that you'll hug my father's soul tightly and I take comfort that he is with You. For all the things that I did and did not do for my father, I ask for Your forgiveness. Please grant us peace in our days.

I have so much to be grateful for

The past few weeks is just nothing short of being amazing. Things occur at whirlwind speed yet there was so much positivity in the air. There were some dangerously low points but yet it was turned around by God's grace.

Indeed God is the one who performs miracles where we thought that everything was impossible.

Thank you God! You are the BEST!

Just to give a short summary:

1. We put ourselves in the danger of losing $10k but God turned it 100% around for us.
It was a lesson to learn not to be hasty with God's money.
And never to make any major decision when we are tired.
Always always pray to God to ask for HIS opinion and listen hard, watch out for the smallest signs that may tell you NO.
Always always be prepared.
Better to be safe than sorry.
I counted about 5 hints from God to tell us NO but we totally missed them.

2. By the end of the week, God has showed me that if I am willing to put aside my own tiredness, laziness, He will reward my hard work. And He did. In 3 days, I've met up with some amazing people and closed my 1st property deal. God is really good to me. I did put my 1st ever exam in like 8yrs at risk by that deal. I figured there'll always be another exam I can sit for but there may not be another great house for my client. With that thought, it cleared all pathways and we had the most amazing time taking the exam. Waiting for the results is the scary part......

3. With that 1st deal, I was able to fulfill my dream of giving my family a treat. Its been a while since we all sat down together to eat. We had a jolly good time. I'm thankful for the opportunities that God has created to keep our family bonded together. God is really good. He's ahead of anyone of us with His plans.

4. God knows when we're ready to be parents and He decides for us. There were times when we were impatient. There were times when we were ignorant. There were also times when we were doubtful (maybe it was just me). God used so many lessons to show me to have complete trust in Him. And in Him alone. When I can do that, there is such a sense of peace and comfort from the Holy Spirit. And that's when I knew I was obeying to the right one.

5. In this season of Lent, I was inspired to do something less conventional. Instead of fasting, I spent the day thinking about a theme centered around a group of people in my life.
On Mondays, I think of children, all the little children around us, I talk to God about their needs and pray for them.
Tuesdays, married couples are my focus. I ask God to show me how to make our marriage a more loving one. How to be a more loving wife. Who are the model couples that we can learn from? And who are those in need of a prayer as well.
Wednesdays are for individuals, some have work-related struggles, while others long for a partner to share their lives with. So have problems with addiction. I ask God to watch over them and guide them towards their path. Help to know more of what God can do for them.
Thursdays are for elderlys, so many dear ones are aging faster than we can remember. I would think of each of them and ask God what good lessons can I learn from each one of them? How can we do our part for them? And most definitely, I would ask God to always watch over them, protect them from harm, keep them healthy & strong. For those who are unwell, to recover with God's mercy & grace.
Fridays are for anything under the sun. Love this day because its also the end of the week. Anything can happen. And ALOT of things did happened on Fridays.
With this practice, I realized that I was talking more to Jesus in my heart. Leaning closer to Him and learning to be more of a servant like Him.
Just a simple idea with such a wondrous reward. God is truly amazing!

6. I had kinda a slap in my face which I dun think I deserved. In my shock of trying to figure how much responsibility should I take for getting the "black mark", God put my manager in that same space as I was. (My manager was not supposed to be in office that night and God put him there) So my manager witness or heard the whole conversation and shared that I did the right thing by protecting the interest of my clients. I found comfort in those comforting words, God knows how important that was for me and He gave them to me through another person. And learnt to play the positive tunes in my head more to drown out those negative ones. I'm definitely still on the road of learning to be a better person. But definitely there's alot to be grateful for in this life time.

7. I closed another deal last night!!! It was such a total surprise as I just did my best juggling tight schedules to fulfill my role as a wife, daughter + friend. With only 3hours of sleep, I did the best I could, thankfully I had some very forgiving clients who did not mind me getting lost in the jungle of many flats. It was so unbelievable. The best part is, the co-broke agent was a jolly soul. Such a joy to meet another jolly soul. And the BESTEST part is, I learnt that my friend's mum is a believer in Christ!!! I'm so happy for her! I'm happy for my friend too!

The 7 wonders of my life for now. More to come I'm sure!

So dun hesitate so much anymore, start walking closely with God and He'll show you endless miracles & surprises!

God provides!

Thank you God!

A sweet friendship refreshes the soul

How sweet is this proverb!

"A sweet friendship refreshes the soul." Proverbs 27:9 (MSG)

Often we have a bad day or week or month hopefully not year... we have a get together with some friends and simply by being in their company, all that negative emotions get lifted. The miracle healing of friendship! SWEET!

Friends are like life's cushions!
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Monday, February 22, 2010
How to connect with people
by Rick Warren
"A sweet friendship refreshes the soul." Proverbs 27:9 (MSG)

One of the deepest needs we have in life is the need to be understood. We all desperately need to feel that somebody can feel what we're feeling and understand what we're thinking. We all need people who connect with us.

A study by the California Department of Health Mental found that if you're disconnected from other people -

You're two-to-three times more likely to die an early death;
You're four times more likely to suffer from emotional burnout;
You're five times more likely to suffer clinical depression, and;
You're ten times more likely to be hospitalized for an emotional or mental disorder.
We need human connections for physical, emotional, spiritual health. We need people who understand us, who relate to us and who can connect to us.

Learning how to connect with people on a heart-to-heart, soul-to-soul level is one of life's most important skills. Unfortunately, nobody ever teaches us how to do this. You learn science and geography, history and math in school, but nobody teaches you how to connect with people. You may be brilliant in some subject, but if you don't know how to connect with people, you're still not going to go very far in life.

Over the next six days, we'll look at the six principles of how to connect with people. It doesn't matter your age or stage of life. If you're a parent and you want to know how to better connect with your children, you can use these principles. If you're engaged or married and you want to know how to better relate to that other person, you can use these principles. If you're a teacher or an employer or employee, no matter who you are, if you need to get close to anybody in life, you need these principles.

Together, we'll see that human connections are good medicine and a "sweet friendship refreshes the soul."

Why Does It Take So Long?

Another inspirational reading that clears up the cloud skies in my mind.

Thank You Lord. You are indeed wonderful & knows me through and through. :)

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“The Lord your God will drive those nations out ahead of you little by little. You will not clear them away all at once” (Deuteronomy 7:22 NLT).

Although God could instantly transform us, He has chosen to develop us slowly. Jesus is deliberate in developing His disciples. Just as God allowed the Israelites to take over the Promised Land “little by little” so they wouldn’t be overwhelmed, He prefers to work in incremental steps in our lives.

Why does it take so long to change and grow up? There are several reasons.

We are slow learners. We often have to relearn a lesson forty or fifty times to really get it. The problems keep recurring, and we think, “Not again! I’ve already learned that!”—but God knows better. The history of Israel illustrates how quickly we forget the lessons God teaches us and how soon we revert to our old patterns of behavior. We need repeated exposure.

We have a lot to unlearn. Many people go to a counselor with a personal or relational problem that took years to develop and say, “I need you to fix me. I’ve got an hour.” They naïvely expect a quick solution to a long-standing, deep-rooted difficulty. Since most of our problems—and all of our bad habits—didn’t develop overnight, it’s unrealistic to expect them go away immediately.

There is no pill, prayer, or principle that will instantly undo the damage of many years. It requires the hard work of removal and replacement. The Bible calls it “taking off the old self” and “putting on the new self” (Romans 13:12; Ephesians 4:22-25; Colossians 3:7-10, 14).

Growth is often painful and scary. There is no growth without change; there is no change without fear or loss; and there is no loss without pain. We fear these losses, even if our old ways were self-defeating, because, like a worn out pair of shoes, they were at least comfortable and familiar.

Every change involves a loss of some kind: You must let go of old ways in order to experience the new.

How God Builds Your Faith: Difficulty

Now we know why we are given so much shit... :D

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July 16, 2009
How God Builds Your Faith: Difficulty
by Rick Warren
"This means tremendous joy to you, I know, even though you are temporarily harassed by all kinds of trials and temptations. This is no accident—it happens to prove your faith, which is infinitely more valuable than gold" (1 Peter 1:6-7 PH).


In order to build your faith, God will give you a dream, then He'll urge you to make a decision, but then He'll allow a delay, because in the delay He matures you and prepares you for what is to come.

The truth is you'll have difficulties while God delays. This isn't because He doesn't care about you or that He's forgotten your circumstances; rather, it's one of the ways He pushes you toward the deep end of faith.

As God delays, you'll face two types of difficulties: circumstances and critics. This is a natural part of life. God designed it this way because He knows we grow stronger when facing adversity and opposition.

When Moses led the children of Israel out of Egypt into the desert toward the Promised Land, he had one problem after another. First there was no water. Then there was no food. Then there were a bunch of complainers. Then there were poisonous snakes. Moses was doing what God wanted him to do, but he still had problems.

David was anointed king, and then for the next several years he was hunted down by Saul. Joseph had a dream of becoming a ruler, yet he was sold into slavery and thrown into prison on a false charge where he languished, forgotten. Imagine the difficulties Noah had building a floating zoo!

The Bible says that when Moses died, Joshua was appointed the new leader. Moses led the people across the desert and then Joshua led them into the Promised Land. Did he get the easy part? The Bible says that when the Israelites entered the Promised Land there were giants in the land. Even in the Promised Land there were problems!

God does this because He is building our faith and character. When we finally come to a place where the difficulties become so bad, where we've reached our limit, where we've tried everything and exhausted all our options, it is then that God begins a mighty work through us: "I know, even though you are temporarily harassed by all kinds of trials and temptations. This is no accident—it happens to prove your faith, which is infinitely more valuable than gold" (1 Peter 1:6-7 PH).

Tell God You Love Him by Talking to Him

Many years ago, before I got baptised, I witness a friend/mentor's commitment towards Christianity. Her love for God shows up in her every move. She places Him before her every decision. She relies heavily of His commands and feels truly loved by Him. She is one of those folks that will light up a crowd with her wit and intelligence. She does well in her job, taking every project or job assignment as a challenge for herself. She has the most loving & understanding boyfriend/husband that one can ask for. She is definitely a shining example of someone every young girl desires to be.

So I asked her, why does she need/love God so much when she already have such a perfect boyfriend/husband?

Her reply was:"Man can at times fail us. But God never fails us."

I was too young then to fully appreciate the meaning of her words. As time passed by, there are times when certain expectations were placed on men and it hurts so much when they fail me. And I remember this sentence that my friend shared.

So here's a cool start to having a different friend with God. Just chat Him up!

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May 31, 2009
Tell God You Love Him by Talking to Him
by Rick Warren
"I love the Lord because He hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!" (Psalm 116:1-2 NLT).


One way to worship God is to talk to Him.

When you really love somebody you don't just want to spend time with that person, you want to talk with him or her, also. Think about two teenagers falling in love; they're on the phone all the time.

They talk and talk and talk. They're getting to know each other. That's how you get to know someone—through communication. If your spouse never, ever talks to you, you have every reason to start wondering, "Do they love me?"

And that's why we show God we love Him when we talk to Him. What do you talk to God about during this kind of worship? Anything that you'd talk to your best friend about: your hopes, your fears, your dreams, your anxieties, the things you're proud of, the things you're ashamed of, your goals, your ambitions, your hurts, your cares, every part of your life. You come to God and you talk to God about anything and everything.

The Bible says, "I love the Lord because He hears my voice and my prayer for mercy. Because He bends down to listen, I will pray as long as I have breath!" (Psalm 116:1-2 NLT). If you don't feel close to God, there's a simple remedy for that: start talking to Him! He has invited you to talk with Him; He wants to talk with you. Prayer is not some duty that you have to do. It's a privilege that you get to do. You get to talk to the Creator of the universe.

You may be saying, "I'd like to have more prayer time with God. I'd like to talk to God. I just don't have the time." Then you're too busy. You'll never have the time; you must make the time to pray. If your Christian life has become routine, dull, and joyless, then take that to God and talk to Him.

Things occur for a reason

Yes, I firmly believe that things do occur for a reason, sometimes reasons. Most times, beyond our comprehension.

This morning, when I opened my inbox, I received a chain of emails depicting the pain that a friend is going through with her continuous stream of emotional torment. A close member of the family fell ill for the past month, arrangements has to be made from sending her to hospital, check-ups, post-discharge care, hiring a maid for the first time and then dealing with a runaway maid!

It may sound funny on hind sight, but for now, my friend is really just feeling emotionally exhausted welcoming the end of the nightmare.

Its a familiar situation I recall back in 2001 when my world seems to just turn upside down. I started the year resolved to finish my MSc with a bang and write it up into some life-long achievement book. On the first day back in the lab, I received a phone call from my sis's house in the mid-morning. (Always NOT a good sign to receive an unexpected call) Turns out that there's serious shit there occurring, took our family many months to come to terms with it, deal with it and move on with it.

Few months later, one of the nights when I went out partying with my friends and received a phone call from mum (again NOT a good sign), telling me that my dad had been sitting on the toilet bowl for the whole night with some vomiting. Being chinese, they popped some bo zhe pills and it did not help with the situation. So I headed home early that night and went to check on dad. His face was rather pale and we thought that it was just dehydration. My dad could still climb down 4 flights of stairs to our vehicle so that I can drive him to A&E.

The moment we arrived at A&E, he turned even more pale! There was a doc nearby and saw him in the state and quickly found him a wheelchair and whisk him away for the checks. Yes, you guessed it, it was an heart attack! After his ultrasound scan, 3 of his major arteries were blocked. Ballooned him in the middle of the night.

The following month, my mum got a mild stroke after having to take care of my dad from his heart condition.

The month after that, I went for an op...

Feels like a house full of sick people!

The morale was pretty low in the house. No one could see the light at the end of the tunnel. We were waiting to see what other shit will fall into our laps. We really just have to keep moving forward to get our minds out of all the darkness, finding the right kind of emotional support that fits our needs.

Moving from those dark years, we have all grown to another new level of understanding.

We know our physical limits. Mental limits (how much shit we can take before we fall apart).
We know what kind of emotional structure keeps us in check (be it a tub of ice cream or a bottle of beer, or some real good bitching with some friends, hey, whatever works for you man!)

And most of all, I've learnt to be more human when someone else is in some kind of shit. Brings out the humanity side of me.

In another incidence, one of our friends bought a new car! Being a new driver, he was fairly careful on the road, sticking to speed limits (I've not seen anyone MORE anal about the speed limits than him! He's car never felt what was like to travel beyond 80khm before I took over the wheels! ha ha) So you would think that this guy would be accident free on the road right? Well, not so much, he had 2 tyre punctures, 1 died battery on his way to VOTE during the last GE, 1 accident involving motorcyclist crashing into his boot (his car was stationary @ traffic junction), threw both the rider & passenger off his car, with a huge dent in the roof + smashed rear windows. I think all these occurred in the first YEAR of his driving experience! Such a nightmare! Never knowing what you're going to get when you get into your car that day.

But hey, his experience at changing tyre came in handy a few years later when he was traveling overseas in the desert. Tyre puncture in the middle of a desert where there's NO mobile phone signals! He was cool about changing the tyres all on his own! Damn cool if you ask me!

So my dear friends, if you feel like u r in alot of shit right now, know that it occurs for a reason. Know that you'll survive!

Three Benefits of Margin

Three Benefits of Margin
by Rick Warren
In our Devotionals series, Pastor Rick Warren discusses the Bible passages that inspire him the most. Today's Devotional is based on this passage:
"One handful of peaceful repose is better than two fistfuls of worried work..." (Ecclesiastes 4:6 MSG).


Margin is the space between your load and your limit. Your load should never be heavier than your limit. But the truth is, most of us are far more overloaded than we can handle; we have no margin for error in our lives.

Dr. Richard Swenson explains, "Marginless is not having time to finish the book you're reading on stress. Margin is having the time to read it twice. Marginless is our culture. Margin is counterculture, having some space in your life and schedule. Marginless is the disease of our decade and margin is the cure."

Here are three immediate benefits you'll receive by building margin into your life:

1. Better health. Unrelenting stress harms our bodies. We all know that, yet we let it continue day after day after day. Many times the only time we get margin in our lives is when the heart attack almost happens (or does happen) or the blood pressure skyrockets. Why do we wait until our health plummets before we make this decision? Why not realize that we need to build some margin into our lives now? The truth is, your body needs downtime in order to heal.

2. Stronger relationships. Lack of margin is one big reason for the collapse of the American family today. When we don't make relationships a priority and make time for each other, our relationships suffer. The truth is relationships take time, and margin provides that time to sit and talk, to listen and enjoy one another, and to provide the comfort we each need.

3. Usefulness in ministry. When you're overloaded by activity, you can only think of yourself. You're in survival mode, just trying to make it through another day. But being available to God for his use makes all the difference in this world.

When you have no margin in your life and God taps you on the shoulder, saying, "I'd like you to do this for Me," your first response isn't joy. Your first response is, "Oh, no! Another thing to do! Sorry, God, I'd like to do that, but I'm just too busy."

We end up resenting the great opportunities God brings into our lives. But when you have margin, you're available for God to use.

You don't have to live on overload. You don't have to live in survival mode. Begin today to build a buffer around your schedule, then enjoy the benefits of margin and see what God does next!

Day of Curve Balls!

I cant believe what a start I had today when it started.

I was juggling with 2 deliveries, 1 house cleaning, 2 alterations, errands for mum, disposal of a huge wardrobe (which is alot more complicated than taking it out of the house....). And a house handover to do...

It started with a hiccup in one of our deliveries... I had assumed that the loot (kindly donated by pals) was in good working order. Did not occur to me to question on the state, condition, material etc. I got a message from pal saying that we'll need to find some spare parts for it before it can be used.

*PANIC*

Handover in the evening, where's the time to find it??

First instinct taught me to call my most dependable, favorite contractor Victor Quek (who also did the renovations for our lovely home). With shivers in my voice, his response was:"Your voice like this, I'm scared of what you have to tell me."

My response was:"I'm scared of what I have to tell you too!"

He was very calm and worked through the options with me and we figured that it'll be too costly for us to get the spare parts at such late notice. So I've decided to abandon freebie and spend $ to purchase brand new ones instead.

But from WHERE? I need it almost like NOW kind of situation!

Ah ha moment: I had previously checked out some supplies at a local shop in the neighborhood, got the quotes for the items as well as their name card. So without hesitation, I gave them a call and requested for a delivery within the day. Uncle over the phone was very accommodating and agreed to my demands. (Which seems unreasonable to me even! Instant confirmation for same day delivery without any deposit and not even knowing the person? Where in the world does such GREAT service occurs besides in a neighborly place? I was filled with love for my neighborhood. There is so much trust here!)
So I made this delivery to coincide with my other delivery around evening tonight. Uncle said OK.

*happy* *peace*

Ate our brunch, did the alternations & errands for mum in good spirits and headed home to seek refuge from the HOT HOT HOT HOT HOT weather.

After an hour of rest, I got a message from my bro (who was responsible for the 2nd delivery but being the lazy him, he told me to meet the guys instead, so I had asked for evening delivery 2 days earlier).

You know that it cannot be anything GOOD when the message says:"Call Alvin, the delivery guy at 9********".

*SIGH*

Reluctantly, I called him, he told me that he could deliver earlier at 330pm instead of 630pm. It was 245pm now! My 2nd delivery HOW?

I tried calling my friendly neighborhood uncle, explained to him the situation and he was very willing to comply to our timing again! So long as his delivery guy returns back to his shop soon, they'll be able to come over first before heading out to other destinations. So I gave him my contact number and hope for the best. And of course PRAYED very hard!

I was up to my nose with all these arrangements that was happening at this speed for the past 2 weeks. So you can imagine my frustrations at the curve balls spun at me today.

I was late in meeting up with my gals who was helping me to clean the place and they almost left the block!! Thankfully, I caught them in time! Thank You Lord! There is NO way I could have cleaned the place on my own even if I want to, it was filled with dirt! We had thought that the tiles were of a grey tinge! Only to find their natural colors after a wash & scrub! The girls spent 2hrs in a tiny kitchen scrubbing all the cabinets to be free of dirt stuck with oil! (Unbelievable mess that was created by nasty lady from my previous entry).

Then I realised that we do not have duplicated keys for the handover because nasty lady has not hand them over properly! (When I met her for the last time - thinking that it'll be the last of her, I had several promptings to just take the keys from her but I had the impressions that she has made other PROPER arrangements with them and I tried to stay out of them. Yes, that was the mindset then, dun disturb her as much as I can. Because I'm not sure if I can take more of her nastiness. ha ha)

Guess WHAT was her arrangement? To handover the keys to a neighbor, when the neighbor is not at home. So what did she do? She threw the keys into the neighbor's house. Yes, one by one... all 8 of them singly without a ring to hold them together. She could have given them to me, but chose not to do that. Unbelievable!

So while the ladies were scrubbing, I ran out to look for a key specialist. Thankfully, there was one in just a block away. See its great in a sub-urban neighborhood!! You get all the great services that you need at a stone's throw away! I love my neighborhood!

I was warned that he might have shifted or closed. So it was a real mercy that he was still around. When I saw him, I was so grateful that I could have hugged him (because I was cutting close to the handover time, there's no way I can find another duplication service on time). BUT he said no promises because he has to find the duplicate key models that resemble those that I want to duplicate! MAN, is there MORE obstacles today?

While he was patiently searching through his drawers, I was praying so hard, please God let him find them. Every key that he picked up to match, I would go Please let this fit! Took about 5mins before he could find all the keys that I need.

*phew*

*ring* *ring* phone call from unknown number... 1st delivery is ready to come! Yeah! I went back up the house to wait for them and told key uncle that I'll come back. He was very nice and said sure sure go attend to your stuff. He must have seen through that hassled look of mine!

When I reached the corridor, I got another call from 2nd delivery guy, goody, they are here too! But they cannot find their way to access our block as close as they can to unload their goods! So, I guided them along while pointing to the 1st delivery folks where to install their goods.

2nd delivery guy came and I showed them the wardrobe that needs to be removed. Immediately he shook his head and said no, he cannot take it. Its too big!!

WHAT? Too big?

I want to faint!

He explained that it cannot fit into the lift etc. It would have to be dismantled into smaller bits and disposal cost would be at least $100!

*sweat rolled down my whole face*
(from the heat as well as the bad news)

So I asked him HOW?

He smiled and offered another solution for me. While we have to take a chance at it, he even offered to walk the estate to look for the cleaners that cleans our neighborhood and maybe the can help us. He said let him talk to them. I did not resist at his offer, I just went along. Too exhausted to even think clearly by now. We walked past his lorry and he went in to take a new packet of tissue paper and offer them to me!

*surprised* such a sweet gesture. But at least I'm sure he understand the panic in my mind ha ha ha

We walked around and could not find anyone at all... sigh, we'll just have to keep the huge giant wardrobe in the room first before i can find another solution. (hope i wont get scolded for it... but at least I know i tried! +with alot of effort)

Just when we were talking to his delivery men downstairs about where to put the items, a cleaner boy came round the block!! Gasping with excitement, I pointed my hands out at the cleaner boy in delight! Immediately, 2nd delivery man took the boy by hands and started his negotiations! Real pro! I can treat him like an idol already!

YEAH, he got it sorted! *happiness*

Then we found a drawer FULL of things in the wardrobe during the dismantling process!

AIYO! I can feel blood shooting up my brains!

Made some phone calls and confirmed that they were NOT from the nasty woman (who obviously did not very please to have to answer a call from me). I could have just dumped them. At least I asked.

Well, no choice, gotta sort them through lor!

We had to reward the deliveryman with some drinks because they had to move the items up the stairs, items wont fit into the lift!

But we do NOT have drinks in the house!

*another curve ball*

2nd deliveryman went along with me to shops nearby to pick up some drinks & also get the change I need to pay him. Good!

When I was almost back to the house, I remembered my KEYS! AHHHHHHHHH

I rushed back downstairs, almost sprinting, because I was afraid that they would be closed!

True enough, from a distance, I could see that the gutters were down!

*siao liao*

*more sweat*

In my panic mode, I did not notice that the 2 ladies standing infront of the shop were the ones trying to close it. Because they were not there when I was there earlier. So I did not make any connections.

One of the ladies kept saying:"keys", to me and I thought that she was also looking for the key duplication service! ha ha ha

Turns out that they were worried about me too! And wanted to leave a note that my keys were with the saloon next door! So sweet hor! Neighborhood folks are like this, they care, they understand that people need certain things urgently. In corporations, they would just lock up and say come back tomorrow. Long live the kampong spirit!!

*phew* keys checked!

Finally, I can sit down and catch my breath when I reach the house I thought to myself.

When I got back, I asked the girls if things are okay and they replied that they are unable to clean the place without bleach. So I went back downstairs to get them the bleach that they wanted. More running, because the girls were scheduled to be with me for only 2hours, we are left with only 20mins leh!

Made it back after like 8mins because I had to hunt for the cheapest bleach! Its just chlrox afterall...

WOAH, what a difference chlrox made to the floor! What was grey when we stepped in, became WHITE!! The girls vacuumed, cleaned, mopped and mopped while I finally sat down and catch my breath.

We chatted and I found really amazing things with these two girls. Great people, cheerful with a clear aim of what they want in life. Fantastic!

I offered them a pair of free movie tickets which I cant find time to use and we took a walk back to my place together.

Yeah, my plans was to take a good shower, take an early dinner before heading for the handover.

As today is a day of curve balls. Plans would not usually go as planned.

After the shower, we headed back the house and found more works to be done. Okay, fix them.

With 30mins left to the handover, we locked up and headed down the stairs for the quick dinner at the coffeeshop nearby.

At the foot of our stairs, we met the folks who were early for the handover!!!

So we went back up again (with hunger + fatigue) and did the handover...

Finally had our dinner at 9pm!

Thankfully, no more curve balls during handover!

And we took a wonderful dinner together, bringing us a step closer together.

I realized that its easy to have misunderstandings with another person when we do not really KNOW the person. We may know their name, their job, their hobbies, their interests etc. But when it comes to making certain decisions, we may not necessary know their real reasons behind odd or unusual decisions unless we make the effort to understand their decisions first. Standing in their shoes, you can understand where they are coming from better and often, anger, frustrations from the misunderstanding can readily be dissolved away.

What a day!

God is Good Good!

In the past few weeks, I have to deal with a lady with a pretty nasty temper.

The old me would fight, bite & yell back. But not the new me. The new me has Jesus's suffering in mind and just really want to be the better Christian that I was the day before.

So I listened, endured, reasoned and of course tried to stay out of her way as much as I can.

Finally, today came the last day of me having to deal with her. How I rejoiced!

Because now I have free reign to do whatever I want without the need to go through her (when I do have every right to in the first place, it was out of politeness that I asked).

I was told that she'll clear out of the venue before 11am today. So I made arrangements for someone to service the aircon after 11. When we arrived, it was already 1115am. Yet all her things were littered all over the house. *sigh*

Before I can exclaim "Oh My God!" I heard her voice in the corridor (along with her charcoal face):"You have to inform me BEFORE you come over!"

My response:"I was told that you'll be done by 11am." humbly, I showed the aircon man around to service the aircons. And I left her to wander around the house aimlessly waiting for the rain to stop before her movers can start moving her things.

Not sure if my presence does ignite some hunger pangs in her or what, for the 3rd time in a row, she started cooking in the kitchen! ha ha ha

While she ate in silence, I was happily in my own world enjoying my Avenue Q musical & indulging in a few Solitaire games (hee hee). Often with a chuckle because of a cheeky comment on the Avenue Q music album.

Yes, you can tell that I'm STILL trying to stay out of her way by sitting at a corner of the room furthest away from her or her belongings ha ha ha (inside my heart, I was praying so hard for me not to unleash the nasty side of me for the MESS that she's created in the house. I was praying to be the best Christian that I can be. Its especially tough because the "policewoman" in me looks at the wrongs and wants to put them to the RIGHT side.... ENDURE I kept reminding myself).

After a while, something must have struck her because she actually offered me a coffee!! WOAH!!

What a turn around!

Thank God for showing me how wonderful it can be to turn hearts around, soften the walls & show the rewards of grace all in 1 day!

Thank You God! *happy*

God is Good!

There's been a dark cloud over our heads which we've been seeking God's intervention.

In one night, two were given! Thank You God for answering our prayers!

Although issues are still hanging but at least we see the small steps towards some resolution of these issues. And that is enough for us to keep praying and working things out because at the end of the day, You Lord are the big guy who runs the show.

*muaks*

The Miracle Box

Movie by my much loved HK actress Ada Choi and quite charming but not a great actor Tse Kwan-Ho.

A mega tear jerker for me, caught bits of this movie while I was channel surfing and was totally hooked on to it.

A love story between two doctors who centered their lives around Christian values and how to bring hope to others. Its really their theme song that added so much pun to the movie that whenever the music starts, tears just flow out of my eyes like someone just turned on the tap at full blast!

There was this scene when Ada questioned the presence of God in her life (just after she lost her dearly beloved husband)... man.... I was sobbing harder than her!!! There is something about this scene + music that blast my tear glands to their max.

Here's the lyrics of the theme song:
Title: 彩虹下的约定 (Promise under the Rainbow)
Written by: 林志美
Movie〈天作之盒>

我空虚的心灵 The emptiness of my soul
终于不再流泪 Is finally not tearing
期待着雨后 Anxiously awaits for the rain to end
缤纷的彩虹 To see the colorful rainbow
诉说你我的约定 To witness our promise

我不安的脚步 My troubled steps
终于可以停歇 Can finally rest
主你已为我 Lord you have
摆设了生命的盛宴 Planned the my life's banquet
与你有约 For the date with you Lord,
是永恒的约 Lasts forever, till eternity

彩虹为证 Rainbow as our witness
千古不变 Would not change with ages/time
我要高歌 I want to sing out loud
为生命喜悦 For the joy in life
万物歌颂你的慈爱 All adore Your loving grace
大地诉说你的恩典 All speak of your forgiving nature.

Link here to the movie's official website.

A sign of peace

Going to church has became such a large part of our lives that I actually do miss going to church when I'm away.

Attending mass in other churches occasionally is great because it allows us to hear from a different priest with sometimes an interesting perspective to the same topic.

STC has this serenity about it, its quietly strong stature gives me immense amount of strength each time I get a chance to sit by the sides to just quietly look at the church building. There is just this beautiful feeling that one can get by just looking at its building.



In times of stress, chaos, emotional roller coaster rides, sometimes all we need is quietness and stillness to balance out. To remind us that God will provide and take care of us. :D

So here's a pic of STC to help us all when we dun have access to the real thing. :)

Memorable Quote from Evan Almighty

Saw this film on HBO recently, besides the natural humor of the film that got me hooked onto it, there was something that stroked me really hard too! It was a dialogue between "god in the film" and Joan (wife of Evan) in the restaurant ...

"god": Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?

How true is this.

901st blog!

Its unbelievable how much random BS I've sprouted on our blog over the past few years, we are our 901st blog posts!

So how much do i really remember? hee...

Here's to thank all those who's been silently reading and following our blog all these while. I'll try to blog more often this year, I often have lots of thoughts about many things that occur around me. Some are good news while often its the bad news that weighs down on my mind abit more.

This year, I've resolved to live a happier life, to not allow bad news to affect me so much and always give thanks to God for the miracles that He constantly surrounds me with.

Just a couple of days ago, a couple of old friends turn up at our door to our pleasant surprise of course. And after some catching up, as usual, I'm not shy about my medical condition and shared openly with them. After my sharing, Mr. A asked if they could pray for me. I was so touched! Yes of course! He spoke words that was in my head in blurry form but through his mouth, they became live and real for me. It was such an affirmation of God's love for me, He reaches out in many different forms and ways. Thank you Lord! *muaks*

Native = the BEST!

This is an interesting piece of read, just as I was puzzled by a very common yet heartbreaking situation, while walking through the scenario with others of very different, out my world views. This article reveals the true meaning of how our response should be as God's children. Your instinctive response is your conscience, the basic, native response is the best way!

==========================================================================

We Know God’s Truth through Conscience
by Rick Warren


Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. Romans 2:14 (NLT)


*** *** *** ***

God leads us to discover his truth, not only through creation, but also through our conscience.

Some things are hardwired in us by God; we know they are always right or always wrong, no matter what anybody else says. Our conscience tells us this. The Bible says, “Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right” (Romans 2:14-15 NLT).


Say we take a random sample of one million people from around the planet and put them on a corner in New York City. We say: “Here’s a 92-year-old blind lady with a walker. She needs to cross the street. Tell me which of these three options is morally right. One, you can let her try to cross on her own. Two, you can help her cross the street. Three, you can push her into oncoming traffic.”

You don’t have to be a Christian or Jew or Muslim or even a spiritual person; inside you know the right thing to do.

“Even Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, show that they know his law when they instinctively obey it, even without having heard it. They demonstrate that God’s law is written in their hearts, for their own conscience and thoughts either accuse them or tell them they are doing right” (Romans 2:14-15 NLT).

Fabulous 2008!

2008 was a fabulous year despite all the economic turmoil, we still found alot of joy, laughter, fun and most of all LOVE.

Thank you to all of you who has made our 2008 so memorable!

Here's something to remember 2008 with....

A Resolution Worth Keeping

A Resolution Worth Keeping
by Jon Walker


For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. 1 Corinthians 2:2 (NIV)

*** *** *** ***

Today’s guest devotional is from Jon Walker.

How are you doing with your New Year’s resolutions? You remember that list you made with optimistic enthusiasm but unrealistic expectations.

One of my friends started making New Year’s resolutions like, “I won’t lose ten pounds this year,” and “I commit to watching the Super Bowl this year.”

I suspect Paul only had one resolution on his list: “This year I resolve to know nothing but Christ and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2).

Paul’s message is radically simple: Salvation is in Christ alone. What does this mean?

It’s not Christ plus your good behavior.

It’s not Christ plus the number of Bible verses you memorize.

It’s not Christ plus your tithe or the church you attend.

It’s not Christ plus wisdom from the latest Christian seminar.

It’s simply Christ plus nothing. Christ and Christ alone.

Love Is a Choice

by Rick Warren


… That you may love the Lord your God, listen to his voice, and hold fast to him. For the Lord is your life, and he will give you many years in the land he swore to give to your fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Deuteronomy 30:20 (NIV)


*** *** *** ***

Love is a choice and a commitment. You choose to love or you choose not to love.

Today we’ve bought into this myth that love is uncontrollable, that it’s something that just happens to us; it’s not something we control. In fact, even the language we use implies the uncontrollability of love. We say, “I fell in love,” as if love is some kind of a ditch. It’s like I’m walking along one day and bam! – I fell in love. I couldn’t help myself.

But I have to tell you the truth – that’s not love. Love doesn’t just happen to you. Love is a choice and it represents a commitment.

There’s no doubt about it, attraction is uncontrollable and arousal is uncontrollable. But attraction and arousal are not love. They can lead to love, but they are not love. Love is a choice.

You must choose to love God; he won’t force you to love him (Deuteronomy 30:20). You can thumb your nose at God and go a totally different way. You can destroy your life if you choose to do that. God still won’t force you to love him. Because he knows love can’t be forced.

And this same principle is true about your relationships: you can choose to love others, but God won’t force you to love anyone.

What's Your Miracle Today?

For our 888th post, I wanna share a miracle that occurred today!

I was really really really boiling mad this morning with someone who keeps making the same mistake, who did not seems to have learnt from his mistake. The anger was fueled by my mega disappointed in unfulfilled promises.

I was so mad that my physical body temperature went up the roof, I could have killed that person today!
(almost like the anger has overtaken my physical being, like a hot pressurized steam needing to find the outlet)

As I try to relate to my anger, it got worse.....

Then I recalled having read some articles about resolving conflict & about anger.

I quickly dig them out, before long, I calmed down. As I prayed for God to guide me, help me with my anger, see that I do not sin as a result of the anger, I cooled down and was able to apologise for the bad behaviour when I was angry.

I have the right to be angry most definitely. But I have no right to vent my anger, being rude to another person, cursing or swearing or physical whacking is a No No.

And I'm so thankful that God gave me this experience today, to once again demonstrate that He cares for me, He is always around me, ready to help me deal with any situation using the resources that I have around me. :)

So what's YOUR miracle for today? wanna share?

Developing Self-Control

Was out having lunch when a young friend when we found out that he is in the school's athletic team. Ad was teasing him to do a short run and he really sprinted off! As he ran, Ad made an observation on his running posture and commented for him to control his palm like how top sprinters run to make their body more aerodynamic.

Then it strike me that even something as small as how we hold our palm matters in a run (cos I always thought that running only involves leg power hee hee). Imagine how much energy, time, effort is spent on training to perfect this posture for a few seconds of glory? If we learn from the best, chances of getting better results is higher!

What about life then? Wont there be even MORE things for us to learn such that we can be a better person? Who better to learn from other than Christ?

I thought this reading was very appropriate for those who keeps going round in circles, repeatedly making the same life's mistakes, its all about self-control!

=============================================
Developing Self-Control
by Rick Warren


Like a city whose walls are broken down is a man who lacks self-control. Proverbs 25:28 (NIV)

*** *** *** ***

Self-control brings with it the good feeling of competency. Like a finely-tuned precision automobile, your life stays on course with the slightest touch of steering. The results of self-control are confidence and an inner sense of security.

Self-control and self-discipline are also key factors in any success you hope to have in this life. Without self-discipline, you are unlikely to achieve anything of lasting value.

The Apostle Paul realized this when he wrote, “Every athlete in training submits to strict discipline, in order to be crowned with a wreath that will not last; but we do it for one that will last forever.” (1 Corinthians 9:25 GNT)

Olympic athletes train for years in order to have a chance to win a brief moment of glory. But the race we are running is far more important than any earthly athletic event. So self-control is not optional for Christians.

How do we gain true self-control?

1. Admit your problem. The starting point for developing self-control is to face what God has already said about me: I am responsible for my behavior.

James 1:14 (PH) says, “A man’s temptation is due to the pull of his own inward desires, which can be enormously attractive.”


Do you realize what that says? It says you do things because you like to do them! When I do something I know is bad for me, I still do it because I like to do it. I want to do it; it’s an inner desire.

Do you want more self-control? Admit you have a problem and be specific about it. Begin praying specifically about your problem areas.

2. Put your past behind you. Philippians 3:13-14 (NIV) says, “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal ….”

This verse exposes a misconception that will keep you from gaining self-control: Once a failure, always a failure.

Failure in the past does not mean you’ll never be able to change. Focusing on past failures, however, does guarantee their repetition. It’s like driving a car and looking in the rearview mirror the whole time. You’re going to collide with what’s ahead of you.

Ask God to help you put your past behind you.

Resisting Discouragement

I have been receiving this email like 4-5times within 2weeks! I thought that I had read the first copy pretty clearly and kept deleting the rest hee... When I re-read this copy again, I realised that its exactly what I needed to read!

There are some situations which I really cannot figure out, some very interesting situations... which makes me think that there really IS a whole different world out there.... That world... is a seriously wrapped and dangerous world, one which I wouldn't want to be in. In a way, I'm grateful that I'm allowed a "preview" of what can happen if we do not conduct ourselves in the proper way or if we allow our emotions to get ahead of us. It is a very strong lesson on FOCUS.

Why do I say its focus and not priorities? Because, priorities feels like something that we put on our A list but we may not necessary do anything actively about it. Whereas FOCUS feels more like its in your face, you HAVE to just set all your eyes, brain power, physical abilities on it and nothing else. FOCUS does not allow room for alternatives. And when we do not allow ourselves to think of alternatives, then there is NO room for adverse situations! hee hee.... is it too abstract? I give eg.

I'm using Marriage as an example: In a marriage, if the couple is filled with focus on developing a more loving relationship, seeking ways to continuously fulfilling each other needs, putting their lives together as their main aim. This leaves little room for doubt, neglect etc. They will be tight tight together, they have strong emotional connection, leaving little distance between them.

That's my theory! hee.... u can write in the comments to tell me if this works... or just a lousy shitty theory.

In any way, I'm very grateful for this article.... because once again, God has answered one of my many prayers and teaching me how I should be in my short stint on earth should be like. :D

Thank You Lord!

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Resisting Discouragement
by Rick Warren


So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time. Galatians 6:9 (NLT)


*** *** *** ***

There are many things that work to keep us from completing our life-missions. Over the years, I’ve debated whether the worst enemy is procrastination or discouragement. If Satan can’t get us to put off our life missions, then he’ll try to get us to quit altogether.

The apostle Paul teaches that we need to resist discouragement: “So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up …” (Galatians 6:9 NLT).


Do you ever get tired of doing what’s right? I think we all do. Sometimes it seems easier to do the wrong thing than the right thing.

When we’re discouraged, we become ineffective. When we’re discouraged, we work against our own faith.

When I’m discouraged, I’m saying, “It can’t be done.” That’s the exact opposite of saying, “I know God can do it because he said ….”

Ask yourself these questions:

· How do I handle failure?

· When things don’t go my way, do I get grumpy?

· When things don’t go my way, do I get frustrated?

· When things don’t go my way, do I start complaining?

· Do I finish what I start?

· How would I rate on persistence?

If you’re discouraged, don’t give up without a fight. Nothing worthwhile ever happens without endurance and energy.

When an artist starts to create a sculpture, he has to keep chipping away. He doesn’t hit the chisel with the hammer once, and suddenly all the excess stone falls away revealing a beautiful masterpiece. He keeps hitting it and hitting it, chipping away at the stone.

And that’s true of life, too: Nothing really worthwhile ever comes easy in life. You keep hitting it and going after it, and little-by-little your life becomes a masterpiece of God’s grace.

The fact is, great people are really just ordinary people with an extraordinary amount of determination. Great people don’t know how to quit.

God’s Purpose In Suffering

God’s Purpose In Suffering
by Rick Warren

For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son …. Romans 8:29 (NIV)

*** *** *** ***

Did Jesus suffer? Was Jesus sometimes lonely? Was he tempted to be discouraged? Was he misunderstood, maligned, and criticized unjustly?

As you read through the Gospels, you’ll quickly see that the answer to all these questions is: YES. So, what makes any of us think we’ll be exempted from suffering or loneliness or discouragement or unjust criticism?

The truth is, God is developing within you the character of Christ, and in order to do this, he must take you through all of the circumstances in life that he took Christ through. This means God is more interested in your character than your comfort, and he’s more concerned about your holiness than your happiness. So, the question is not if you’ll go through dark times in life, rather it’s when you’ll go through them.

Does God cause these tragedies? No. God is good, and he cannot cause evil, nor do evil. But God can use these dark and stressful times for good; he’ll use them to build a Christlike character within us.

So, what should you do when you go through difficult times?

Refuse to be discouraged – David said, “I will fear no evil” (Psalm 23:4 NIV). This implies a choice, an act of decision. As Jesus faced the cross, he made a choice to follow God’s will; he made a choice to face down fear; he made a choice to ignore despair.

Remember God is with you – David said, “For you are with me” (Psalm 23:4 NIV). God not only promises his power, he promises his presence. We will never go through a dark day alone. Jesus knew he wasn’t alone as he walked out his passion.

Rely on God’s protection and guidance – David said in Psalm 23:4 that God’s rod and staff comforted him. The rod and staff were basic tools a shepherd used to protect and guide the sheep. God will be with you, and he’ll protect and guide you. Jesus could have called down 10,000 angels; he could have called his disciples to arms; instead he relied on God to protect and guide him.
© 2008 Purpose Driven Life. All rights reserved.

How to Handle Failure

What a timely article :-)

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How to Handle Failure
by Rick Warren

Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways. Proverbs 20:30 (GNT)

*** *** *** ***

No one’s life is an unbroken chain of victories. We all experience setbacks, defeats, losses, and failures. Nobody bats a thousand. We all make mistakes.

Since failure is common to all of us, one of the most important life-skills you can learn is how to respond to it. Mature people know how to turn every failure into a learning experience, a stepping stone for future success.

The first thing to do is to analyze why you experienced failure. Although there may be a variety of reasons – many out of your control – here are five common causes of failure:

· When we don’t plan ahead – As the old saying goes, “If you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail.” Proverbs 27:12 (LB) says, “A sensible man watches for problems ahead and prepares to meet them.” Remember, Noah had to start building the ark long before it started raining!

· When we think we’ve “arrived” – Remember the lesson of the whale: just when you get to the top, and you start to blow– that’s when you get harpooned! Proverbs 16:18 (GNT) says, “Pride leads to destruction, and arrogance leads to downfall.” In other words, the man who gets too big for his britches will be exposed in the end.

· When we’re afraid to take necessary risks – The fear of failure can cause failure. We worry about what others will think of us if we fail, so we don’t even try. Former U.S. football player Fran Tarkenton says, “Fear sets you up to be a loser.” We fail to take advantage of golden opportunities. “Fear of man is a dangerous trap” (Proverbs 29:25 LB).

· When we give up too soon – Many times, success is just around the corner. Remember, the game is often won in the final seconds. If at first you don’t succeed … you’re normal! Keep on keeping on! The value of a postage stamp is found in its ability to stick to one thing until it gets there. “A lazy fellow has trouble all through life” (Proverbs 15:19 LB).

· When we ignore God’s advice – The Bible is our owner’s manual for life. It is filled with practical instructions and guidelines for work, home, finances, relationships, and health. When we fail to follow these, we’re asking for trouble. “There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death” (Proverbs 14:12 NIV).

But remember failure is never final unless you let it be!

If you’ve experienced failure, here are some steps for starting over:

· Accept responsibility for your own failure – If you’ve made a mistake, admit it! Welcome to the human race. Don’t blame others. “A man who refuses to admit his mistakes can never be successful. But if he confesses and forsakes them, he gets another chance” (Proverbs 28:13 LB).

· Recognize the benefits of failure – For instance, it shows you what doesn’t work. The great inventor Thomas Edison said, “Don’t call it a failure. Call it an education!” Failure forces you to be more creative.

· Failure prevents arrogance and egotism – If everything you did was a stunning success, no one could live with you! It causes you to re-evaluate what’s important in life. Failure is one way God gets us to reflect on the direction of our lives. “Sometimes it takes a painful experience to make us change our ways” (Proverbs 20:30 GNT).

· Ask God for wisdom to understand the cause for the failure – Ask, “Why did I fail? Is there any reason I might have set myself up to fail?”

· Forget the past and focus on the future – Your past is past! It’s water under the bridge. You can’t change it so you may as well stop worrying about it.

Brothers and sisters, I can’t consider myself a winner yet. This is what I do: I don’t look back, I lengthen my stride, and I run straight toward the goal to win the prize that God’s heavenly call offers in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14 (GWT)

Be encouraged!

Loving Difficult People

Loving Difficult People has always been a challenge for me, there are just some individuals that stick out of my reach, their practices, way of life, value system, ethical values and yet I cant throw away the years of friendship that has been formed before these differences caused a wedge between us. Its good to have some guidelines to live with when facing these difficult people. Now its a matter of putting that into practise! ;-)

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Loving Difficult People
by Rick Warren

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Romans 12:18 (NIV)

*** *** *** ***

When asked what he considered the most valuable skill in employees, the financier John D. Rockefeller replied, “The ability to get along with people!”

One of the most important skills we can develop as we walk with Christ is knowing how to love troublemakers. If you learn how to interact with difficult people, then you’ll be able to pour your energy into areas of ministry rather than constantly putting out fires of conflict.

Here are four methods Jesus modeled when he encounter difficult people:

1. Realize you can’t please everybody. Even God can’t do that! Refuse to play games (Matthew 22:18).

2. Learn to say no to unrealistic expectations. Confront them by “telling the truth in love.”

3.NEVER retaliate (Matthew 5:38-39). It only lowers you to their level.

4.Pray for them (Matthew 5:44). It will help both of you. Let God speak to them.

Daily Manna

Daily Manna from the 'Net for Tuesday, April 8

Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain. In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat--for he grants sleep to those he loves. Psalm 127:1-2 NIV

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I like this passage, because its a reminder to me that God makes all possible! Even the impossible. We must go on believing in Him, all things are possible :)

Jesus Or The Boat?

Jesus Or The Boat?
by Jon Walker


“But the boat was already over a mile from land, battered by the waves, because the wind was against them.” Matthew 14:24 (HCSB)


*** *** *** ***

Jesus needed time to refresh and so he sent his disciples on ahead, across the Sea of Galilee in one of their fishing boats. But storms sweep across this inland sea like tornados that emerge from nowhere.

And now the disciples were in a fight with the Goliath-like forces of nature. Some of the disciples were fishermen. They understood the danger, and so they fought the storm long and hard, but made little headway.

It was three o’clock in the morning, that no-man’s-land time of day when you haven’t yet escaped the night, but you still haven’t crossed into morning. It’s the kind of time when you wonder if you’ll even make it through until sunrise.

The Golan Heights, rising from the water like a wall within a quarry, are hard to distinguish against a sky so dark and drench. They’re over a mile from shore, and the water is transforming into an evil presence, so deep and so menacing.

And just then, someone on the boat yells, “Look! What is that? It looks like a man, but it just can’t be.” Before he’s even finished saying them, his words disappear into the wailing wind. But no one has to say anything else. All eyes are on this ghostly figure walking toward them like an incarnation of the storm!

And then Jesus says, “It is I.” (v. 27)


What does this mean?

· Jesus or the boat? – When faced with such a situation, where is the safest place to be? In the boat or in the arms of Jesus?

· Jesus peace – Logic tells us we’re safer in the boat; but the Bible tells us we’re safer in the arms of Jesus, the Lord and Master over the storm. He offers a peace that passes all understanding.

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Have you ever experienced situations when you are in panic? You feel like there's nothing you can do to change a very tight situation? There's a few million thoughts racing through your head, its just going to explode!

That's the best time to surrender your thoughts, your mind to Christ, pray for him to instill the sense of peace and stillness in you. Ask for his guidance in your thoughts, in your words and in your actions. He will provide you with the most unbelievable experience you've ever felt.

*He offers a peace that passes all understanding!*

The “God-Chip” Empowerment

by Jon Walker

“I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.” Ephesians 3:16 (NLT)

*** *** *** ***

God empowers you to successfully do everything he asks to do. He gives you abilities to use in service to others, and he transforms you inwardly with a growing desire to serve others.

The Holy Spirit within gives you the ability to tune into God, to hear him, to listen to him – and to talk with him. Please hear this: he didn’t create you for failure; he created you to succeed with the Holy Spirit energizing your abilities and empowering your efforts.

Perhaps you’ve noticed the small stickers on many computers that say, “Powered by [‘this-brand-of’ chip].” In a sense, you have the “God-chip” powering your life as a follower of Christ; you are empowered by the one and only, Holy God, who’s placed his Holy Spirit within you.

God designed you to succeed, but only when you’re dependent upon him. Without him, you simply will not succeed in the things God calls important and calls you to do. With him, you’re guaranteed to succeed in all he’s called you to complete.

What does this mean?

· Trust God and succeed – In order to succeed at your God-mission, you need to trust God; in other words, believe in faith that he will empower you to succeed. Tell God your fears and ask him to replace them with faith.

· Inner strength comes from God – “I pray that from his glorious, unlimited resources he will give you mighty inner strength through his Holy Spirit.” (Ephesians 3:16, NLT)

Making Allowance For Each Other’s Faults

by Jon Walker

“Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” (Ephesians 4:2b NLT)

The more we understand, the more patient we become.

When we see the hurt beneath the anger, or the reason behind the behavior, we’re more likely to “make allowance for each other’s faults.”

The ability to understand is a sign of patience. (Proverbs 14:29) The Bible teaches, “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.” (Proverbs 19:11 NIV) God’s wisdom teaches us that love is patient (1 Corinthians 13:4), and that impatience is not love.

When facing a challenge to our patience, it helps to remember God is not asking us to give more patience to others than the patience he gives to us. The apostle Paul uses his own life as an example of this, saying God showed him mercy, despite his many sins, so that “Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience.” (1Timothy1:16 NIV)

We need patience with one another because God created each of us with different shapes, assigning each of us a different mission in life. We all have different backgrounds, and we’re each at a different place in our journey with Jesus. Practicing patience keeps our view on the things above, allowing us to see how God works even in the most difficult of circumstances. It is in patience we often learn that diversity is a strength, instead of a weakness.

The apostle Paul wrote, “Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with – even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department. Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently.” (Romans 14:1 MSG)

What does this mean?

· Work at being consistently patient – Anybody can be patient when it’s convenient, but it’s much harder to remain patient when the day is slipping away or when you’re faced with the same mistake for the third time in one week. Patience often comes at significant cost; it requires you set aside your agenda and yield your rights in order to “welcome each other with open arms.”

· Learn to listen – Listening means more than just hearing someone talk; it means carefully considering what the other person is saying and actively trying to understand his or her point of view. The Bible says, “Listen before you answer. If you don’t, you are being stupid and insulting.” (Proverbs 18:13 TEV) That’s pretty clear! It means we shouldn’t evaluate what someone has done or said until we’ve heard the full story. God gave us two ears and one mouth, perhaps to tell us we should listen twice as much as we talk. Ha!

· Ask yourself these questions:

§ What makes me impatient?

§ What does my impatience say about my priorities?

§ How can I better understand the people who bring out my impatience?

§ Have I taken time to listen to their full stories?

§ In what ways do people have to be patient with me?

§ Do I give the same amount of grace to others as I expect them to give me?

§ “Love is patient.” (1 Corinthians 13:4 NIV) – that means love puts up with a lot for a long time. The next time your patience reaches its limit, remember how patient and understanding Jesus is with you.

Give Life With Your Words

2008/02/05


Give Life With Your Words
by Jon Walker

Words kill, words give life; they’re either poison or fruit – you choose. (Proverbs 18:21 MSG)

You have the power to kill or give life.

Yes, you, gentle reader – a follower of Christ – are capable of murder, and so am I. We can speak death with our words, or we can speak life.

Perhaps you’ve been on the other side of the killing kind of messages: “You’re not smart enough. You’re not thin enough. You’re not fast enough. You’re not good enough. A real Christian wouldn’t think such a thing.”

In a world where people are beat up and put down, God gives you superhero power to punch through the negativity. You speak life to others when you say: “You matter to me. I like you just the way you are. You’re human, anyone could think that. Your life counts. You were created for a purpose. God loves you, and you’re incredibly valuable to him.”

Your words may be the only encouraging thing some people hear in a day, or a week, or a month. You – yes, you – can become the voice of God’s grace in the lives of others, supporting, loving, helping, and encouraging with the words that flow from your mouth. (Romans 14:19b)

In the New Testament, the word ‘encouragement’ often means “to come alongside.” We’re to come alongside one another, “building each other up,” just as the Holy Encourager comes alongside us to teach us and remind us of the way of Jesus. (John 14:26)

We become encouragers when we stop looking down and start looking up (Colossians 3:2) – the need and opportunity for encouragement is everywhere. “Each one of us needs to look after the good of the people around us,” (Romans 15:2a MSG) and this “will build them up.” (Romans 15:2b NLT)

So, how about it? Will you become today a consistent source of encouragement to those around you? It’s a choice on your part. You can lift a person’s spirit, change the atmosphere of your office, or lighten the burden of someone in your small group. The Bible says we should “look for the best in each other, and always do your best to bring it out.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15b MSG)

What does this mean?

· Commit to encouragement – Make a choice to build up the people around you. Fill your conversations with phrases like: “I believe in you,” “I’m grateful for you,” “I see God using you,” “I appreciate you,” and “I’m glad you’re in my life.” The Bible says we should “encourage one another and build each other up.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV)

· Value others – An encourager works hard at bringing the best out in others. Value people by understanding they are valuable to God. He encourages you in spite of the failings in your past; he believes in you in spite of those annoying, little things you excuse in yourself but criticize in others. J (Quite honestly, this thought compels me to give grace to others.)

· Be encouraged – Encourage yourself, for “there is good news of great joy for all people, and his name is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:8-10)

Daily Manna - Path, Rock, Thorns or Soil?

Daily Manna from the 'Net for Thursday, January 24

Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop--thirty, sixty or even a hundred times what was sown.' Mark 4:15-20 NIV

Forgiving In An Unhealthy Situation

by Jon Walker

Today, December 10th, former National Football League (U.S. football) quarterback Michael Vick is scheduled to be sentenced for his conviction related to gambling and illegal dog fighting. Because Vick’s conviction raises important questions about forgiveness, I’m offering a short, downloadable Bible study on the subject at www.gracecreates.com – jw

Jesus said, "Father, forgive these people, because they don't know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34a NLT)

~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~

In writing about forgiveness, several readers have asked: “What about forgiving within an unhealthy relationship, one that is toxic and dysfunctional? Should you continue in the relationship when the person just keeps doing the same thing over and over again, never changing his behavior?”

To quote my sister, “Forgiveness isn’t the same as stupid!” It doesn’t mean we’re to act like doormats, allowing evil to run rampant in an abusive relationship. Loving our enemy does not mean excusing his behavior.

To echo the civil rights activist Martin Luther King, we need to understand the difference between non-resistance to evil and non-violent resistance. In any toxic relationship, we strive to resist the abuse with a peace-filled, godly response. This includes establishing healthy boundaries where you’re less vulnerable to abuse and, if God directs, it may mean ending the relationship (much easier said than done when the abuser is a parent, a spouse, or a child).

Regardless, the act of forgiveness does not require you to keep taking the abuse, and it doesn’t mean you must remain in the abusive situation.

Jesus shows us that forgiveness can be immediate when he forgives those who were crucifying him – during the very act of crucifixion: “Father, forgive these people, because they don't know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34a NLT)

As we mature in Christ, God will teach us to forgive constantly, even instantly. But it’s a learning process, so don’t take off on a guilt trip if you’re unable to do that now. Fall upon God’s grace and let him move you closer toward forgiveness. It may – probably will – take time to fully receive his grace to forgive, and God can work with that. The first step may simply be to let God soften your heart. Our hearts have a tendency to become hardened in difficult relationships.

Again, let me stress, the softening of your heart toward the abuser is not the same as saying it’s OK to keep taking the abuse, and it’s not the same as saying you have to stay in a situation where you are being or may be abused.

Forgiveness is not the same as agreeing with the behavior of the abuser.

What now?

· Remember the enemy is the enemy – The Bible teaches that when we’re in conflict, the real enemy is not the person we face. The real battle we’re in is against Satan’s unseen spiritual forces of wickedness. (Ephesians 6:12) The enemy wants us to think the battle is ours alone, and that causes us fight as if we’re separated from God. Our goal should be to trust that God is in the battle. (1 Samuel 17:47)

· Through prayer, bless those who abuse you – With your prayers, you can bless people who continually hurt you. They’re in bondage to their own sins, and although that doesn’t excuse their behavior, it does give you insight into how you can pray for them. God intended these relationships for good, yet they’re stripped away by alcohol or anger issues or other counterfeits Satan uses to destroy true fellowship and family. Pray for them to become the person God always intended.

· Take a firm stand – You need group to support you in an intervention, and you may need a mediator present, but the Bible teaches God’s light can penetrate the deepest darkness with hope for restoration and reconciliation. This can provide a quicker path to healing. Regardless, you need to take a firm stand against the abuse, and you may need others to help you do that.

· Should I stay or go? – I’ve seen abusive relationships over the years and know it would be naive to suggest that an intervention, sprinkled with some prayer dust, will suddenly change everything. Some people respond to confrontation; some are crushed by the love of God invading their heart. But many, many people remain toxic and abusive, even when confronted in love, even when forgiven, even when drenched in God’s grace. You may very well need to end the relationship, as difficult as that may be. It’s not your job to change the person, so don’t consider it a failure on your part if he or she doesn’t change when confronted with God’s love and truth.

© 2007 Jon Walker. All rights reserved.

Thanksgiving

A time to give our thanks.

What are you thankful for this year?

I have ALOT to be thankful for this year, let's start from the top!

I was thankful for a short getaway to a city which took me 15yrs to re-visit. My first visit to BKK was quite a nightmare, on the night of arrival with my parents, my mum had a stroke. She had to be rushed to a private hospital at the mercy of the cab driver. Back then, tourism wasnt a huge factor and hence the cab drivers were not so fluent to deal with tourist. By God's grace, we managed to communicate sufficiently with him and he brought us to the best private hospital there was in the city. Although we were alittle hesistant with its exterior structure (being a short 4storey building in between two huge buildings, decked in grey), I was very impressed by how much medical equipment they had and their medical skills were impressive. We were assured that mum was in good hands and although unsettling, we spent a week sleeping in the hospital ward with the kind understanding of the medical staff. I thought I would never really return to that city without having to re-live those days of nightmare but thankfully, in this Jan trip, it was filled lots of fun, excitement and not a luggage bag was empty! I discovered the joy of shopping, the relaxation of having massages and the fun of discovery! Even tried my first hand at shooting a pistol! So cool!

I think I am very thankful for a chance to go back to place that was filled with so much negative emotions and be able to drive them away with good, positive emotions. It was a great experience!

Next came CNY and when it was barely over, I had to start work on my research, yes by digging soil... thankfully I had some serious MANpower! Yes, my ever supportive, ever ready Ad! He's the BEST! Never a single word of complain nor grumble, just asked me where? when? what time? And off we went! This persisted for a seriously long period of time to the point which I was really thankful when I can hide in the safety of our lab to process the soil samples, away from the sun, the heat, the everything! Not only was I thankful for Ad's support, I was also very thankful that the collection went on smoothly as planned. :)

As time passed, the grieve of dad's passing also slowly eased away. I am thankful for the time, the space and the grace to grieve. Slowly but surely acceptance came and peace that followed. Now, at times, I can even joke about dad with my mum. I pray for that same peace to envelope her whenever she feels grieved.

Very quickly, Lent came, after hearing so much about The Purpose Driven book by Rick Warren, we decided to gather a small group of friends to share the 40days journey together. Thankfully, we found some expertise, someone who actually run a similar group before! It was definitely a time when we were reflective, learning and experience more of God's mystery and our own purpose. I am still reflecting on some of the topics that was covered! I am thankful for the constant guidance and having these inspiration to keep pushing us forward.

This year was indeed filled with tonnes of beautiful memories, so much that I am at loss what to say sometimes. There were so many friendships formed and built, made to last longer and stronger than I have ever imagined. One thing I am very sure, all these would not have been possible if not for God's grace upon us. Thank You Lord! (And I think this Prayer of Jabez has got to do with it!)

In June, my family and I took a trip back to our hometown in Donggun, Guangzhou, China. It was my virgin trip to our hometown. I was very very impressed by the amount of effort that my grandparents put to "repay" the kindness of the villagers who has helped my grandfather leave their hometown and come to work in Singapore. If not for their fore-father's help, we would not be here today, enjoying the fruits of their labour. In return, my grandfather built a school (because he feels strongly about education, believing that anyone can learn anything if they desire to, he watches the Tamil news at home at 70 to pick up the language!). He was also often called to raise funds for re-building projects in the home town, there were so many stories of my grandfather and our fore-fathers that we kept thinking of how fortunate we are. And indeed we are very honored decendents of many great people in our family. I am very thankful for this trip to help me learn so much more about my family history, at least I have some juicy stories to pass on to my kids and grandkids! hee hee

One of the themes that really stood out for me is: Marriage - a lovingly marriage is a lasting marriage.
We witnessed how over 400 couples stood before God to profess their love for each other some 50years after their wedding and some as "youthful" as us barely 3+yrs of marriage. The common denominator is the commitment to build a lasting marriage TOGETHER.
And how to be able to achieve a lovingly marriage? The trick is to surround yourself with people who share the same values as you about marriage. People who are commited to each other, who value the importance of commitment which entails faith, hope & love. If you can love, you can forgive and forget. Every marriage will meet their test somehow, some time, how each couple deals with that tough situation lies very much in the crux of their friends and family. If their surrounding values the importance of sorting things out peacefully, lovingly, chances are that these two persons will stay together. And vice versa. So go figure if you want to stick around those whom you are sticking around with now.....

I am thankful for being able to indulge in my crazy "hobbies", hee hee; more hee hee; hee hee hee hee ;lagi more hee hee
Yes, I am very thankful for finding that childhood that I miss, the senseless giggles which I enjoyed. Its GREAT to just giggle! hee hee

AND ok ok this one, I am like so ultra thankful for it that tears can roll out any time....

I am thankful for FB, I have found my sec school best friend, SC! Yes that one that i blogged about like Jan 2006!. All this time I kept wondering about some individuals that has left some part of them behind in me and slowly, they are all coming back to life again! I am just ecstatic! Some of these old friends are counting back 20yrs of MIA! ha ha ha..... If there was a chance of relocating my kindergarden pals, now, that would be a real treat!

Thank You Lord. You have made my life so colorful, so wonderful, so full of adventure that I can only be thankful for! *muaks*