long randoms

it's nearly 2a.m. I was awake mostly because I was chatting with someone I got to know some time ago. I am not so sure if I can really call her a friend because I don't even know her real name. But I completely understand her journey.. I have been through that stage before.

I am enjoying the last of the holidays. Holidays mean not having to teach a classroom of kids. I love seeing my kids, I love teaching them. It just gets tiring after a while. I don't really fancy speaking aloud very much. I really prefer writing. If I could express myself better, possess better grammar skills with flowery language, I would probably like to be a writer. No one believes that I am naturally an introvert. Life has trained me to be an extrovert though.

I really love how reading the bible causes me to clear my mind and sharpen my thoughts. It sets my perspective right and aligns my heart aright once again. I feel in tune with God. And I am not even talking about what I had read from the bible. Like, how does the book of Judges help in all these? I can only reckon that the bible is really a living word, and the spirit of God who leads the writing of His word is present.

CG today was awesome. The whole family was present. We celebrated 2 persons' birthdays. It was a nice feeling to see everyone. I am praying for greater positive changes in the lives of these precious ones of God. They are so dear to me. I think it's true, how when you pray more for someone, you tend to feel more for them?

I am really flattered when one of the worship leaders told me that the first person he thought of playing the acoustic guitar for the new song he had composed is me. I must be one of the least experienced one around. Just like what I shared with a friend whom I gave a lift home after cg today; the more rotten a person used to be, the more the grace of God is evident in that person's life. It's the same.. when one is skilful in the instrument that they play, they can get away with just about anything.. but when one is not, and in need of God's grace, then people can see the hand of God at work.

I appreciate moments like these, writing out my thoughts. Now I shall continue reading the seven levels of intimacy.. which I am enjoying very much. I learnt a lot from the book! And I am consistently challenged! Thank God I found the book!
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The last 2 hours @ Brisbane standing outside the airport, enjoying the cool wind

I think I have finally figured out why I keep going back to Australia. The thought came to me as I was taking a lovely drive down a familiar road 2 nights ago. It was an upslope and I recalled driving to this part of Brisbane before with my ex. We had stopped the car then and enjoyed the view of the stars above us for a few minutes.

As that moment came to mind, I suddently felt a deep sense of loneliness. I wish then the SH was there to share these nice moments with me. I felt then that without someone special to spend my life with, life would not be as colourful. Strange I would feel this way since I was mostly happy when I was single. It was quite a foreign feeling, to know that I would feel that those special moments could only be felt with a loved one and it wouldn't feel that special anyway else.

So.. I guess the reason why I kept going back to Australia, was how Brisbane really feels like home to me. The 2 years I spent living there were the best times of my life so far. In going back, I could be a little closer to those sweet memories.

I am looking forward to sharing moments more wonderful than those 2 years wtih the SH in time to come. Till then, let me find a way to fix my Aussieland addiction :)
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Persistent prayers

36 Then Gideon said to God, “If you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said, 37 behold, I am laying a fleece of wool on the threshing floor. If there is dew on the fleece alone, and it is dry on all the ground, then I shall know that you will save Israel by my hand, as you have said.” 38 And it was so. When he rose early next morning and squeezed the fleece, he wrung enough dew from the fleece to fill a bowl with water. 39 Then Gideon said to God, “Let not your anger burn against me; let me speak just once more. Please let me test just once more with the fleece. Please let it be dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground let there be dew.” 40 And God did so that night; and it was dry on the fleece only, and on all the ground there was dew.
Judges 6:36-39

I think..Sometimes, there needs to be an acknowledgement and confession to God that we have done something wrong. Sometimes God waits to see if we really want what we ask for and persist in asking for it. Lesson learnt: persistence in prayer yet not be discouraged that persistent prayers are not answered. Afterall, if God is the one who is all-knowing and all-loving, why can I not trust that His plans are the best for me?
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Last one for the day...

before heading to MCC BRisbane to hear Carolyn preach! :)

For a long time now, I get frustated now and then because just like the bible, there are huge masses of people who believed in Jesus mostly when miracles are performed.

In my sharing of my life with others, maybe becasue I don't pray very much for miracles/don't let known, I find myself hindered on one or two occasions because.. everybody can be very nice, successful etc.. so what sets us apart from the rest?

Today, Darlene shared that the difference bewtween us and others is that the presence of God with us. It is not just good works that we do.. we have God in us. How powerful that revelation is! :)

She shared that there is a presence whenever we step into the room/a shop etc. And people know.. I am not sure how true that is for me.. but I noticed that whenever I step into a shop, the customers will start coming in. So what used to be an empty shop will be crowded after a while.. hehe..
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Powerful gems

So many people want to seek the experience feeling refreshed/energized/good. That in itself is not wrong. But I was reminded again by Darlene to seek not the experience, but to seek God first and we will be sure to get the WOW experience!

Darlene shared to live aware of the presence of God. Because when we are aware of God's presence in our lives, that will keep us from being self-aware; selfish and caring only about us and ourselves. I want to stay hungry for His presence! It's awesome!

Another thing. Darlene was sharing how she just got back from Zimbaewe and how the adults are dying of AIDS and one out of every 3 are starving but how encouraged she was being there for a public worship service, the last one held in 1984. She shared how she was encouraged seeing the presence of God manifest and the power of God work in these 3rd world countries.. It kinda reminded me of the mission trips I had taken.. Really, we always say we are there to help improve the lives of others, but I think I benefited more from going for the mission trips. :)

These 2 verses spoke to me today.

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! Psalms 34:8

God inhabits the praises of His people Psalm 22:3

So praise and worship is so wonderful because it is God's presence manifest amongst us! :)
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New song by Hillsong sung this morning.

All I ever need I find in your unending love. Such a powerful one-liner. From one of the new songs they sang this morning.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7jDjpXt6VM (adult version, this morning's version but only part of the song)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkI3-kCzvwQ (the whole song from the Hillsong Youth Album


UNENDING LOVE
Words and music by Sam Knock and Jill McCloghry



INTRO:

Bm |G |D |D



VERSE1:

Bm

There's no silver or gold

G

And no treasure untold

D

That could draw me away from Your heart

Bm

Neither never myself

G D

More than anyone else will do



PRE-CHORUS:

A Bm G

Jesus nothing compares

A Bm G

To this grace that rescued me

A Bm G

Savior now and forever

A Bm G

Your face is all I seek



CHORUS:

D

Now all I am

A Bm

I lay at Your feet

G

I'm humbled by the wonder of Your majesty

D

One thing I know

A Bm

I've found what I need

Bm

In your unending love

G

In your unending love



Bm |G |D |D

Bm |G |D |D



VERSE2:

Bm

Letting go of my pride

G

I lay down my desires

D

Just to worship in spirit and truth

Bm

More than all of my dreams

G D

More than fame I will seek You Lord
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Precious Gems in a power-packed message part 1

What comes out of the house is determined by the health of the house.

The service pastor was talking about tithing. But I can't help thinking that it applies to us too. What comes out of our mouths, our actions is determined on how "healthy" we are. If the God of love is in us, we will not do or say anything that will be hurtful, will we?

But I am also reminded that change that is truly effective is the change that starts from the inside out, the love and grace of God working in our lives, in our hearts, to transform us and we will surely manifest His goodness outwardly.
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how long do new habits last?

moisturise - harden - play along with sense of humour - dress neat - fly on Sat - write cards - play tennis - read papers dilligently - take effort to learn new information
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7 levels of intimacy by Matthew Kelly

It is seldom I speak well of a non-christian self-improvement book. This is delightful so far. Can't wait to fish out all the gems from the book.
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Love as we know it

Is it true that love is patient
Is it true that love is kind
Is it true that love does not insist on its own way
is it true that love bears all things, believes all things
Is it true that love hopes all things, endures all things
Is it true that love never fails?

then I must have loved wrong
When will the sun shine.. and remain shining?
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Paul is a bit naggy in Romans.

See title.
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I bring you with me..

Iphone
angry birds
koss
journal
light blue pen
seiko
photos
your hugs
and kisses
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You never let go - Matt Redman

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76ifTTuL4XI

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death
Your perfect love is casting out fear
And even when I'm caught in the middle of the storms of this life
I won't turn back
I know you are near

And I will fear no evil
For my God is with me
And if my God is with me
Whom then shall I fear?
Whom then shall I fear?

(Chorus:)
Oh no, You never let go
Through the calm and through the storm
Oh no, You never let go
In every high and every low
Oh no, You never let go
Lord, You never let go of me

And I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
A glorious light beyond all compare
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
We'll live to know You here on the earth

(Chorus)

Yes, I can see a light that is coming for the heart that holds on
And there will be an end to these troubles
But until that day comes
Still I will praise You, still I will praise You


Christian lyrics - YOU NEVER LET GO LYRICS - MATT REDMAN
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Reading for today and some more..

How precious these moments with the Lord are.. sweet, energizing.. inspiring.. refreshing..

I am looking forward to more of that in Brisbane. Going there without the SH only means one thing - a personal retreat! Good replacement for the church camp.

Of course, I am also looking forward to the cool air, the warm sun, and catching up with friends who are there!

Had an awesome time with the Lord this morning. Lessons that stand out:

" remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you.
do not become proud, but fear" - Romans 11:18-20

Romans 11:33-36

Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!

“For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been his counselor?”

“Or who has given a gift to him that he might be repaid?”

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.
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