This lovely Friday morning, I pray for a deeper sense of compassion; a compassion not just for the friends I feel a lot for.. that comes effortlessly.. Compassion for my other friends whom I don't feel a connection with, compassion for most of my colleagues whom I do not have personal time for, compassion for students I do not teach, compassion for strangers who are well..
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Friday, February 18, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Back for good
I am inspired to pray this prayer yet do not want to appear too spiritual on facebook. This is my prayer for today:
Lord, help me hear Your voice above all others in this loud and busy world. Amen.
This is the second time God spoke to my heart about listening to His still small voice. Maybe it's the theme of my life for this year.
Stop doing, start listening.
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Lord, help me hear Your voice above all others in this loud and busy world. Amen.
This is the second time God spoke to my heart about listening to His still small voice. Maybe it's the theme of my life for this year.
Stop doing, start listening.
.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
The moment
After years of travelling, I have learnt that I prefer to capture the moment with my eyes other than through the lens of a camera. I found out that I am able to enjoy the moment more. When I spend a lot of time trying to take the best photos, I often feel that I don't experience the fullness of the moment.
well, if I have a lot of time at that place, mAybe I can starting taking photos after enjoying those moments for a few days. That way, I can capture both the moment in my mind and on print. :)
I guess it's the same with life. Sometimes, we spend so much time planning, envisioning and choreographing our lives that we fail to enjoy the spontateous moments. I reckon that while I will do a bit of planning, I should not think too much and just enjoy the day to day moments.
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well, if I have a lot of time at that place, mAybe I can starting taking photos after enjoying those moments for a few days. That way, I can capture both the moment in my mind and on print. :)
I guess it's the same with life. Sometimes, we spend so much time planning, envisioning and choreographing our lives that we fail to enjoy the spontateous moments. I reckon that while I will do a bit of planning, I should not think too much and just enjoy the day to day moments.
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Monday, December 13, 2010
I am back after a one month hiatus!
KL was sweet. God was good. He taught me a very precious lesson. When we avail ourselves, He will provide.
I have seen how we had not expected even the 12 boxes of clothes and books from A and when we did, we thought we were just bringing the kids those donated clothes and a bit of fun in terms of a Sports Carnival. Before A told me that A had some funds for a christmas party, the SH actually receieved an email suggesting that we could provide food for the kids too. We had not intended for that but an additional SGD 35was a blessing. They were so happy eating the pizza and KFC we ordered for them.
While we were there, the people working for the kids told us that they were so thankful we brought the christmas party to the kids because unlike the other years, no one offered to this year :). After the event, we went for lunch and found 50 RM on the seat at Nandos which covered for almost our whole meal. Also, when we were looking for whistles, they miraculously appeared before us at the store. Just 1 packet. Out of nowhere. YM donated some plush toys keychains (new ones), we counted 78 pieces. We were expecting 100 kids so we thought of using them as prizes instead of gifts. However, we counted 74 kids so we thought of giving them out to everyone of them for participating in the games. The 78 pieces were ALL given out. No short, no more. I think a few kids might have just come in the duration of the game. Amazing isn't it? :) And it was a great challenge driving in KL city, our first time driving to Malaysia and we were kept safe throughout! :)
Thank God for His grace, providence and protection! :)
.
I have seen how we had not expected even the 12 boxes of clothes and books from A and when we did, we thought we were just bringing the kids those donated clothes and a bit of fun in terms of a Sports Carnival. Before A told me that A had some funds for a christmas party, the SH actually receieved an email suggesting that we could provide food for the kids too. We had not intended for that but an additional SGD 35was a blessing. They were so happy eating the pizza and KFC we ordered for them.
While we were there, the people working for the kids told us that they were so thankful we brought the christmas party to the kids because unlike the other years, no one offered to this year :). After the event, we went for lunch and found 50 RM on the seat at Nandos which covered for almost our whole meal. Also, when we were looking for whistles, they miraculously appeared before us at the store. Just 1 packet. Out of nowhere. YM donated some plush toys keychains (new ones), we counted 78 pieces. We were expecting 100 kids so we thought of using them as prizes instead of gifts. However, we counted 74 kids so we thought of giving them out to everyone of them for participating in the games. The 78 pieces were ALL given out. No short, no more. I think a few kids might have just come in the duration of the game. Amazing isn't it? :) And it was a great challenge driving in KL city, our first time driving to Malaysia and we were kept safe throughout! :)
Thank God for His grace, providence and protection! :)
.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
a testimony of God's faithfulness
shared this during CG last night. Since last year, whenever people ask me about my plans for the future (mostly in terms of my career), I always tell them that I am not sure, yet I have this quiet assurance that God will reveal as time draws nearer. And He has been doing just that.
Just yesterday, I was catching up on the book of Joshua because that was what the SH and I were supposed to read and discuss together. I didn't get much of the message in the first 5 chapters except that Joshua was constantly getting directions from God as He was leading Israel through Jordan. Yesterday's devotion for the day was also about following Jesus (devotion is below). Yesterday's chapter 22 for Purpose Driven Life was also about letting God do His work; how He is more concerned about my character development than my career and what I do in life. It's encouraging for me how God spoke through different avenues yesterday.
Just last week, I received news that I got to teach the exact level and class that I asked for. What blessing that is! I finally get a break from teaching P5 and 6. Being given a P4 class means I will probably follow them for 3 years. Also at the same time last week, i receieved the notification that the registration for the briefing for the 3 years part-time masters programme has been postponed. To think that I had not received the first email. Logically speaking, if I apply for the Masters programme, I will graduate at about the same time as the time I will send off my next batch of kids. Because the Masters Programme is heavily subsidised by MOE, I will be bonded for another year. And it is at the end of 2014 that i get another connect plan payout. All so timely right? Humanly speaking. So I have a tentative 4 year plan. Yet all these might change, but all the experiences I have with God previously gives me the confidence that He knows the plans He has for me and that He will always be with me and all I have to do is to walk in step with Him.
November 9, 2010
But I Can't See!
Lynn Cowell
"The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, 'Follow me.'" John 1:43 (NIV)
Devotion:
Illuminating a small circle just in front of our feet, the flashlight provided safety and direction for only our next step as Rose and I took our pre-sunrise walk. Anxiety eventually gave way to comfort as we discussed the day ahead. We knew the light would lead us in the right direction. We just had to take the next step...
Taking the next step is something Jesus recommended a very long time ago. "Come and you will see." "Follow me." These were the words Jesus spoke to the disciples as He called them. He didn't sit them down and reveal what the next three years would hold. He knew they would be overwhelmed; possibly even turn around. He chose to keep it simple. "Follow me" was all He said. Take the next step...
As a teen, I wanted to know my future. Will all my dreams come true? What college will I attend? Will I work in a church; marry a pastor? Will I live in Iowa near my family? Jesus knew the answers to those questions all along. I didn't go to college. I don't work in a church, nor did I marry a pastor. He knew. In wisdom, He chose to reveal only enough light for me to take the next step.
Sometimes, I catch myself wishing again that I could see my future. I get wrapped up in fear or worry. Career worries: Will I still have this job in five or ten years? Mom worries: Will my children marry spouses passionate about Jesus? Marriage worries: Will my husband and I enjoy a long retirement together? I can spin around issues that really don't have anything to do with this day, with my next step.
Jesus knows. He knows which answers are "yes" and which ones are "no." He knows when and where to reveal to me my next step. My part is simply to take the next step in obedience.
When I was younger, I did not understand those times when He said "no" were stepping stones to His amazing "yes." I learned in the dark that when I step forward in trust and obedience, blessing is down the path. I also had to learn that even those pathways that held pain where part of the process. They were stepping stones in my journey of choosing obedience over worry, fear and control.
Now, when fear and doubt surface in the dark I silence the "what ifs." I remember Jesus' words, "Follow me," and get back on the path that is flickering just ahead-and simply take the next step...a step of trust. I ask Him what I need to do for just today. I walk away from worry by expressing my concerns to Jesus and trust His ability to take care of each and every step.
Dear Lord, the dark can be frightening. Jesus, sometimes my ability to trust seems so much smaller than the step I need to take. Help me to build a history with You. A history of seeing You will help me trust You over and over and over again. I want that. I put my trust in You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
.
Just yesterday, I was catching up on the book of Joshua because that was what the SH and I were supposed to read and discuss together. I didn't get much of the message in the first 5 chapters except that Joshua was constantly getting directions from God as He was leading Israel through Jordan. Yesterday's devotion for the day was also about following Jesus (devotion is below). Yesterday's chapter 22 for Purpose Driven Life was also about letting God do His work; how He is more concerned about my character development than my career and what I do in life. It's encouraging for me how God spoke through different avenues yesterday.
Just last week, I received news that I got to teach the exact level and class that I asked for. What blessing that is! I finally get a break from teaching P5 and 6. Being given a P4 class means I will probably follow them for 3 years. Also at the same time last week, i receieved the notification that the registration for the briefing for the 3 years part-time masters programme has been postponed. To think that I had not received the first email. Logically speaking, if I apply for the Masters programme, I will graduate at about the same time as the time I will send off my next batch of kids. Because the Masters Programme is heavily subsidised by MOE, I will be bonded for another year. And it is at the end of 2014 that i get another connect plan payout. All so timely right? Humanly speaking. So I have a tentative 4 year plan. Yet all these might change, but all the experiences I have with God previously gives me the confidence that He knows the plans He has for me and that He will always be with me and all I have to do is to walk in step with Him.
November 9, 2010
But I Can't See!
Lynn Cowell
"The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, he said to him, 'Follow me.'" John 1:43 (NIV)
Devotion:
Illuminating a small circle just in front of our feet, the flashlight provided safety and direction for only our next step as Rose and I took our pre-sunrise walk. Anxiety eventually gave way to comfort as we discussed the day ahead. We knew the light would lead us in the right direction. We just had to take the next step...
Taking the next step is something Jesus recommended a very long time ago. "Come and you will see." "Follow me." These were the words Jesus spoke to the disciples as He called them. He didn't sit them down and reveal what the next three years would hold. He knew they would be overwhelmed; possibly even turn around. He chose to keep it simple. "Follow me" was all He said. Take the next step...
As a teen, I wanted to know my future. Will all my dreams come true? What college will I attend? Will I work in a church; marry a pastor? Will I live in Iowa near my family? Jesus knew the answers to those questions all along. I didn't go to college. I don't work in a church, nor did I marry a pastor. He knew. In wisdom, He chose to reveal only enough light for me to take the next step.
Sometimes, I catch myself wishing again that I could see my future. I get wrapped up in fear or worry. Career worries: Will I still have this job in five or ten years? Mom worries: Will my children marry spouses passionate about Jesus? Marriage worries: Will my husband and I enjoy a long retirement together? I can spin around issues that really don't have anything to do with this day, with my next step.
Jesus knows. He knows which answers are "yes" and which ones are "no." He knows when and where to reveal to me my next step. My part is simply to take the next step in obedience.
When I was younger, I did not understand those times when He said "no" were stepping stones to His amazing "yes." I learned in the dark that when I step forward in trust and obedience, blessing is down the path. I also had to learn that even those pathways that held pain where part of the process. They were stepping stones in my journey of choosing obedience over worry, fear and control.
Now, when fear and doubt surface in the dark I silence the "what ifs." I remember Jesus' words, "Follow me," and get back on the path that is flickering just ahead-and simply take the next step...a step of trust. I ask Him what I need to do for just today. I walk away from worry by expressing my concerns to Jesus and trust His ability to take care of each and every step.
Dear Lord, the dark can be frightening. Jesus, sometimes my ability to trust seems so much smaller than the step I need to take. Help me to build a history with You. A history of seeing You will help me trust You over and over and over again. I want that. I put my trust in You. In Jesus' Name, Amen.
.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
random updates
I love the bass. And I think it's my instrument. I love the red. I love the boom. I love the smoothness of the sound. I love how the strings do not cut my finger.
swam 20 laps and had one full hour of workout from badminton. Endorphins- so addictive.
THe SH just told me she thinks she's addicted to FB.
I had great claypot chickie rice near Tessensohn. Lonely dinner though. Me and my chickie. And coke light.
I taught my kids how to play the guitar in the past 2 weeks. I am 4 hours short of giving them a 10 hour lesson on guitar playing.
Today, I got them rubber bands and taught them how to make zero point ropes. I also taught them how to play Zero point! They were engaged! Wonderful!
Tomorrow they must make their mortar boards. Bleah.
Tomorrow, I have a feeling I will get scolded by my good friend because I have not done what I was supposed to do.
I got the exact level and class I asked for for 2011. Good life next year! :D So blessed. I think God might be preparing me to be the default bass player.. knowing how much I practise whenever I have to play.
I think I pulled a muscle at the butt. Gluteus Maximus.
There was a good-looking angmoh at church on Sunday.
I still can't believe one of my friends is dating an ang moh GUY!
The student I am giving tuition to scored the highest in her class for English! 48 out of 50! A great improvement! My only problem is, how to maintain.. or improve further.. aiyo..
I love Qcafe! I think it's like Planet Cafe in the L word. I think I am going to be a regular to keep it alive. From now on, I will suggest all gatherings to be there.. hiak hiak. Unless that person has gone before.
Irene Ang and I are talking like we are friends. It's no big deal but I keep reminding myself that she's a celebrity so I should keep some boundary.
Rebecca Tan is good-looking but not my type. The SH is so into her. *rolls eyes* Maybe that's why I don't like her as much as I should. Hiak hiak.
It's time to organise the single thing again!
.
swam 20 laps and had one full hour of workout from badminton. Endorphins- so addictive.
THe SH just told me she thinks she's addicted to FB.
I had great claypot chickie rice near Tessensohn. Lonely dinner though. Me and my chickie. And coke light.
I taught my kids how to play the guitar in the past 2 weeks. I am 4 hours short of giving them a 10 hour lesson on guitar playing.
Today, I got them rubber bands and taught them how to make zero point ropes. I also taught them how to play Zero point! They were engaged! Wonderful!
Tomorrow they must make their mortar boards. Bleah.
Tomorrow, I have a feeling I will get scolded by my good friend because I have not done what I was supposed to do.
I got the exact level and class I asked for for 2011. Good life next year! :D So blessed. I think God might be preparing me to be the default bass player.. knowing how much I practise whenever I have to play.
I think I pulled a muscle at the butt. Gluteus Maximus.
There was a good-looking angmoh at church on Sunday.
I still can't believe one of my friends is dating an ang moh GUY!
The student I am giving tuition to scored the highest in her class for English! 48 out of 50! A great improvement! My only problem is, how to maintain.. or improve further.. aiyo..
I love Qcafe! I think it's like Planet Cafe in the L word. I think I am going to be a regular to keep it alive. From now on, I will suggest all gatherings to be there.. hiak hiak. Unless that person has gone before.
Irene Ang and I are talking like we are friends. It's no big deal but I keep reminding myself that she's a celebrity so I should keep some boundary.
Rebecca Tan is good-looking but not my type. The SH is so into her. *rolls eyes* Maybe that's why I don't like her as much as I should. Hiak hiak.
It's time to organise the single thing again!
.
wow! So long never update.. a revelation
while doing the 20 laps and praying, I realised I had been praying all wrong. I always pray for everyone I know starting from my family members, the SH, the plushies and others who need prayers.. I pray for the plushies to draw close to God, build their spiritual lives, encourage one another, find their ministry.. blah blah blah, and other specific prayer requests that I know of them.. then today, while I was praying, I stopped midway and realised that all I really need to pray, the most important prayer is this: Lord, let __________'s heart be fully after your heart. That is a simple but profound prayer. It basically covers everything that needs to be prayed for.
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