1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking; it is not easily angered, it keeps no records of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails..."
As I was pondering on this verse this morning, I realised how liberating God's love is! Often and not, things tire and wear me out when I fail to walk in love. Recap the times when I was consumed with envy, anger, and when I'm consumed with fighting for my rights, when I choose to dwell in the records of wrong and injustice done to me instead of the many blessings I had received... all these instances were suffocating.
"... but the greatest of these is love."
Love to the highest level liberates, sets us free... yet to love also means a certain giving up. To give up whatever it takes so that love can prevail. It might mean giving up the right to remain in hatred, giving up the right to self justification, giving up one's comfort level for another..etc
For my Lord Jesus, it meant giving up His life so that all might have hope again and get to experience His love and power that is able to set free.
To remain and be driven by jealousy, hatred and momentary securities might seem the easier way, yet, the trump card is for those who chooses the better way- the path of love, not just love in our human understanding.. but love that comes from God above, portrayed clearly through the life of His Son, our Lord jesus Christ. The love that liberates....
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
I love my grandpa!!
Just visited grandpa during lunch break. He had a fall yesterday evening while protecting my grandmum. Think they were walking along the garden area outside their house and my grandma lost her balance and fell forward. My grandad tried to hold on to her but fell forward too. In order not to fall on my grandma, grandpa turn himself away and fell bad face front onto the floor. He refused to be hosiptalised for observation last night.
My heart ached when I saw him just now, his right eye is so swollen and bruised that the entire eye cannot be seen and the bruise is spreading to his left eye too. There are bruises on his forehead and nose too.
What aches me most is to see him acting tough and fine in front of us as he doesn't want us to worry and more imptly, so that we will not force him to stay in hospital as he wanna take care of grandma back home.
Dad and mum took leave tdy to send him to hospital for another check.
My grandpa is one of the best and most dedicated husband that I know. He is always so patient, caring and devoted to mu grandma even though after she came down with stroke.
I believe that he'll be fine as God is watching over him.
My heart ached when I saw him just now, his right eye is so swollen and bruised that the entire eye cannot be seen and the bruise is spreading to his left eye too. There are bruises on his forehead and nose too.
What aches me most is to see him acting tough and fine in front of us as he doesn't want us to worry and more imptly, so that we will not force him to stay in hospital as he wanna take care of grandma back home.
Dad and mum took leave tdy to send him to hospital for another check.
My grandpa is one of the best and most dedicated husband that I know. He is always so patient, caring and devoted to mu grandma even though after she came down with stroke.
I believe that he'll be fine as God is watching over him.
I'll hang on...
Hmmm.. What's the difference between joy and happiness?
Joy comes from the Lord within, it does not take into account circumstances, situations, emotions and people. Joy has the power to strengthen. ("For the joy of the Lord is your strength" Nehemiah 8:10)
I can take joy when I know that God is for me, He will never leave me nor forsake me, He knows my heart, my desires, my anxieties, fears and my hopes and dreams. And because I know that He will take care of them all, I can rejoice and be glad.
Happiness is usually derived externally- from a situation, circumstance, emotion and people. Happiness can fail me cos people, circumstances, my own feelings can and will fail me.
Perplexed emotions now, waves of unhappiness and I can't seem to control them, alot of stuff on my mind, stuff to consider, stuff that seem beyond my control, things that I wanna do and change but yet have to wait...
I kinda loathe bedtime now as thoughts just seem to rage in my mind each time I lay down my head to sleep... about my future plans, my r/s, the feeling of being shortchanged, enviousness and uncertainties...etc
Sometimes I feel like I'm putting on a mask or should I say, I need to put on a mask.
Yet... I want and I need to press in and take joy in all these...
I know that God sees them all, and He is working solutions out for me, He is leading me in His green pastures at His time and He is able to change the heart of men... change my heart O Lord and lead me in victory as I walk through this phase in life, help me to see the green pastures that are all around me, instead of focusing on the dry lands. Claiming Psalm 37:3-5
I'm not gonna allow my emotions, or mens' decision to determine my future, but only God is able to move and work in and for me. The clouds are clearing as God replaces my perspective with His.
This phase is gonna be over soon... and spring time is near... so I'll hang on and lift up my head towards my Saviour.
YOU are the only One whom I can rely upon, and YOU are the only One who truly understands..
Thank you for being here with me and I know You will always be.
Joy comes from the Lord within, it does not take into account circumstances, situations, emotions and people. Joy has the power to strengthen. ("For the joy of the Lord is your strength" Nehemiah 8:10)
I can take joy when I know that God is for me, He will never leave me nor forsake me, He knows my heart, my desires, my anxieties, fears and my hopes and dreams. And because I know that He will take care of them all, I can rejoice and be glad.
Happiness is usually derived externally- from a situation, circumstance, emotion and people. Happiness can fail me cos people, circumstances, my own feelings can and will fail me.
Perplexed emotions now, waves of unhappiness and I can't seem to control them, alot of stuff on my mind, stuff to consider, stuff that seem beyond my control, things that I wanna do and change but yet have to wait...
I kinda loathe bedtime now as thoughts just seem to rage in my mind each time I lay down my head to sleep... about my future plans, my r/s, the feeling of being shortchanged, enviousness and uncertainties...etc
Sometimes I feel like I'm putting on a mask or should I say, I need to put on a mask.
Yet... I want and I need to press in and take joy in all these...
I know that God sees them all, and He is working solutions out for me, He is leading me in His green pastures at His time and He is able to change the heart of men... change my heart O Lord and lead me in victory as I walk through this phase in life, help me to see the green pastures that are all around me, instead of focusing on the dry lands. Claiming Psalm 37:3-5
I'm not gonna allow my emotions, or mens' decision to determine my future, but only God is able to move and work in and for me. The clouds are clearing as God replaces my perspective with His.
This phase is gonna be over soon... and spring time is near... so I'll hang on and lift up my head towards my Saviour.
YOU are the only One whom I can rely upon, and YOU are the only One who truly understands..
Thank you for being here with me and I know You will always be.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
In His Time
God is always willing and able to speak the right things at the right time to me. Trouble is, I miss out on His counsel and love that is able to set me free so often when I choose to leave Him out of my life. Forgive me Lord...
This week has been a little of a emotional roller coaster ride for me. Sometimes things get so frustrating and I get so impatient that it feels as it I'm gonna burst from all the tension and question marks.
Yet in Luke 18:1, Jesus said: " Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart."
Indeed, it felt as if God was reminding me that it's ok to feel this way, it's alright if people disappoint you for we, including myself are all imperfect beings. Key is never lose heart, never give up depending upon God, never cease from lifting up your cares and troubles and desires to the Lord for God cares for you!! Pray and not lose heart!!!
Was reading Purpose Driven Life, Chapter 28: (How timely)
Be patient with God and with yourself. One of life's most frustrations is that God's timetable is rarely the same as ours. We are often in a hurry when God isn't......
God is never in a hurry, but He is always on time......
Don't get discouraged. When Habakkuk became depressed because he think God was not acting quickly enough. God had this to say: "For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end, it will speak and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it. Because it will surely come. It will not tarry." (Habakkuk 2:3)
Indeed, how easy it is for us to get all excited about our hopes, dreams and vision, yet how tough is the waiting of the answer and fulfilment of such.
It takes faith to wait upon the Lord for His timing.
Grant me the strength and the patience to wait upon You as I trust You to bring about the breakthrough in my ministry, as You show me the next step in my career and for all the desires that I have, I give to You.. You know them all.
At the right time....
"Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass." (Psalm 37: 4-5)
This week has been a little of a emotional roller coaster ride for me. Sometimes things get so frustrating and I get so impatient that it feels as it I'm gonna burst from all the tension and question marks.
Yet in Luke 18:1, Jesus said: " Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart."
Indeed, it felt as if God was reminding me that it's ok to feel this way, it's alright if people disappoint you for we, including myself are all imperfect beings. Key is never lose heart, never give up depending upon God, never cease from lifting up your cares and troubles and desires to the Lord for God cares for you!! Pray and not lose heart!!!
Was reading Purpose Driven Life, Chapter 28: (How timely)
Be patient with God and with yourself. One of life's most frustrations is that God's timetable is rarely the same as ours. We are often in a hurry when God isn't......
God is never in a hurry, but He is always on time......
Don't get discouraged. When Habakkuk became depressed because he think God was not acting quickly enough. God had this to say: "For the vision is yet for an appointed time; but at the end, it will speak and it will not lie. Though it tarries, wait for it. Because it will surely come. It will not tarry." (Habakkuk 2:3)
Indeed, how easy it is for us to get all excited about our hopes, dreams and vision, yet how tough is the waiting of the answer and fulfilment of such.
It takes faith to wait upon the Lord for His timing.
Grant me the strength and the patience to wait upon You as I trust You to bring about the breakthrough in my ministry, as You show me the next step in my career and for all the desires that I have, I give to You.. You know them all.
At the right time....
"Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass." (Psalm 37: 4-5)
Friday, September 7, 2007
Power of focus
"If you looked at the world, you'll be distressed. If you look within, you'll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you'll be at rest." (Corrie Boom, prisoner in a Nazi death camp)
Your focus will determine your feelings (Purpose Driven Life, Chapter 26)
How easy it is to lose focus of the Lord,
when my feelings run bizarre, and my vision becomes blurred, my passion weakened...
Yet You never once gave up on me.
Always faithful and patient to lead me back to Your will.
In You I find strength to carry on...
Be my strength whenever I'm too weak to carry on..
Grant me perseverance when thoughts of giving up seeks to consume my mind...
Give unto me the passion that will ignite a fire, to press on in this race as I seek to do Your will.
Indeed, the end will supersede the beginning!! Things just got to get better and better!!!
Your focus will determine your feelings (Purpose Driven Life, Chapter 26)
How easy it is to lose focus of the Lord,
when my feelings run bizarre, and my vision becomes blurred, my passion weakened...
Yet You never once gave up on me.
Always faithful and patient to lead me back to Your will.
In You I find strength to carry on...
Be my strength whenever I'm too weak to carry on..
Grant me perseverance when thoughts of giving up seeks to consume my mind...
Give unto me the passion that will ignite a fire, to press on in this race as I seek to do Your will.
Indeed, the end will supersede the beginning!! Things just got to get better and better!!!
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Happy Birthday Dad!!
Happy birthday to u, Happy birthday to u, Happy birthday to Daddy.... Happy Birthday to u! Happy 58th birthday dad!! May u and mum continue to be ever so loving and may u be blessed with joy, good health, strength and abundance in every aspect!!
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
Back and gone again...
This week was a week of catching up with long time frens whom I haven't met in quite a while. First it was Gloria who came back for a short 3 weeks! And then through her, got to meet up with my ex rhema schoolmates, John A and John D Purcell for lunch. Real sad, wanna go for Billy Bombers, which is my ang moh frens' all time favourite, but the one at Bugis is gone!! It's under renovation and gonna be taken over by another restaurant, and the person in charge mentioned that Billy Bomber's has shifted to 1st floor and despite our efforts to ask for directions, there was no BB! So we settled for Swenson's instead, which was not very nice. Then on that day, we bumped into Andy Goh!! Got to spend some time with him too... it was a nice day of catching up!!
Gloria has left for Nepal early this morning. Already starting to miss her le. Managed to spend some time with her this time round and it's really exciting to see how God is working in our lives, dealing with our various situations and people, and yet He is always the same, our faithful, loving, all knowing and awesome Abba Father!
Glo is really someone whom I can share my heart out and trust totally... someone whom I can rely upon 100%. Someone who I know will always support and defend me regardless of what others might say. Thank you girl so much for your love and frenship!! Really miss u and can't wait to see u in Dec!! Take good care and remember to use sun block daily ok!!! (Hope u get to see this post!! Its a command!!! Hahaa...)
JB outing- rhema gals!!! (was it church camp or retreat or smtg..) 
Loong's farewell gathering @ Billy Bombers!!!(What's new.. haha)
JB trip years ago with SE ppl
Changi Airport's starbucks!!
Our very 1st ChiangMai mission trip together- Glo, Flo and me @ our fav MAKRO!!!Tuesday, September 4, 2007
To Love and Cherish
How important for people to respect and honor one another, especially in a marriage!! All the ladies out there: Be sure to find a partner who truly loves you, honors and respect you for who you are. And make sure you treat him likewise too k.
This sentiment was reinforced loudly yesterday:
Was on a bus to Bugis and it was raining heavily. This couple with 2 boys boarded the bus. The man was the 1st to board the bus and he immediately walked to the rear of the bus for a seat. The 2 boys followed after but came back to the front to get seats and were happily munching on a bag of chips. And poor mum was holding 2 large unbrellas and was trying to dig for coins in her bag. After about 1-2 mins, the lady signalled to her husband sitting at the rear to come forward to help her with the coins.. but he didn't budge for like another 1 min or so. Finally, he decided to move his golden butt and went forward, but instead of helping her with the coins or the umbrellas, he simply pushed her quite roughly n was scolding her to use her EZ link card instead. And with that, he turned back and scolded her for being so blur and stuff- the whole bus can hear him lor! The lady looked real hurt and disappointed and angry. Obviously there was something wrong with her card la!! SO in any case, she finally managed to search for coins and got a seat. About 2 bus stops later, there was an empty 2 seater, and the irritating guy went to push her real roughly again to ask her to sit with him. She simply glared at him and ignored him! I was cheering on the inside, way to go, dun give in to him!!! When they finally alighted from the bus, I could hear him shouting at the woman before the bus door closed and moved off. What a jerk i was thinking!! I was fuming rather madly for the lady la.
Anyway, this incident serves as a good reminder on my part to cherish, love and respect all the ones whom I love! You can't claim that you love someone if your actions dun tally with your words. Never take your love ones for granted ya.
This sentiment was reinforced loudly yesterday:
Was on a bus to Bugis and it was raining heavily. This couple with 2 boys boarded the bus. The man was the 1st to board the bus and he immediately walked to the rear of the bus for a seat. The 2 boys followed after but came back to the front to get seats and were happily munching on a bag of chips. And poor mum was holding 2 large unbrellas and was trying to dig for coins in her bag. After about 1-2 mins, the lady signalled to her husband sitting at the rear to come forward to help her with the coins.. but he didn't budge for like another 1 min or so. Finally, he decided to move his golden butt and went forward, but instead of helping her with the coins or the umbrellas, he simply pushed her quite roughly n was scolding her to use her EZ link card instead. And with that, he turned back and scolded her for being so blur and stuff- the whole bus can hear him lor! The lady looked real hurt and disappointed and angry. Obviously there was something wrong with her card la!! SO in any case, she finally managed to search for coins and got a seat. About 2 bus stops later, there was an empty 2 seater, and the irritating guy went to push her real roughly again to ask her to sit with him. She simply glared at him and ignored him! I was cheering on the inside, way to go, dun give in to him!!! When they finally alighted from the bus, I could hear him shouting at the woman before the bus door closed and moved off. What a jerk i was thinking!! I was fuming rather madly for the lady la.
Anyway, this incident serves as a good reminder on my part to cherish, love and respect all the ones whom I love! You can't claim that you love someone if your actions dun tally with your words. Never take your love ones for granted ya.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)