simple me

In times of trial

2012-01-23T19:38:00.000-08:00

I just want to encourage all of you to hold on to God , continue seeking Him and serving Him.

I didnt realise that in one of my last posts in 2010, my prayer was for God to prune me. And He has literally taken me at my word.

Suffice to say that, speaking from experience, when one is going through any fiery trial, in the midst of the burning and consuming of all that is fleshly, one must surround oneself with people of faith.

A church leader asks me , looking back, what it is that has kept me going. So I thought of bloging it.

1) Don't share your problems with just anyone, lest some behave like Job's friends.

2) Choose a few confidants you can trust. And most important, they must be prayerful people. Why share your problem with somebody who is not going to pray with you and for you?

3)Continue to seek and serve god. The problem/ trial could be the work of the enemy. Continue to serve and praise God,instead of sitting down and wallow in your own self-pity pparty.

4) It is important that YOU yourself seek God. God will guide you very clearly through, circumstances, or through your private devotion. This has happened to me so many times. God lets me peek through the cloud once in a while to know that I am being guided so closely be Him.

5) God will give you amazing peace and joy in the midst of your trial.This will be a testimony to all , especially to unbelievers. They could be going through the same trial but they see the difference in you.

6) Lastly, have faith in God. Sounds simple enough, until you see all the natural circumstances going in a negative direction.Then what do you do? Immerse yourself in God's word.

7) Seek only to glorify God in your situation.And be prepared to crucify your flesh daily.

Even as I write this, I can testify that God's answer to our prayer always has His perfect timing.Praise God.

ah mah

2010-04-21T04:38:00.000-07:00

Mum in law has passed on( at 83)and I believe a miracle of salvation has taken place.

Wont share here . Suffice to say that I receive confirmation in my spirit.

She was warded for one month at the hospital, 10 days at ICU and the rest in open ward. She had a stomach operation ( due to perforated ulcer), then infection which led to water in lung (pneumonia) and lastly, succumbed to brain stroke.

Ah Mah,

we will miss your sweet smile,

your elegant presence,

your caring touch,

your culinary delights

which unite friends and family alike.

Acts 2 v 21 " And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

Looks

2010-03-17T16:26:00.000-07:00

One day, my teenage daughter said " My friends commented that I look more like you now compared to 2 years ago."

She is referring to her face , now more fleshy and with rosy cheeks. I like the new her as she is a more cheerful girl now.

Anyway, her remark sets me thinking. Am I growing to be more like Jesus ? What is hindering me from NOT growing to be like Jesus?

If there is anything hindering my spiritual growth, am I doing anything about it? The crux is, do I really want to be like Jesus?

Or do I only seek the blessings and not the blesser?

2 Corinthians 3 v 18

" And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."

"Unveiled faces".......speaks to me of coming into God's presence transparently and honestly , and allowing God to deal with us in areas where

where we have fallen short. And doing something about it. Not just seeking forgiveness but a true repentance.Then and only then, God will do His wonderful( may be painful smetimes) work in us and through us,pruning away our SELFISH desires .

"Father God, open our hearts and reveal to us in areas where we have fallen short and grant us the desire to do something about it.We give you permission to prune us . Help us to reflect You in our everyday life. Strip us of any idols in our daily activities . We thank You for the Holy Spirit who is always intereceding for us, praying this is Jesus name , amen"

locked out

2010-03-09T03:07:00.000-08:00

I was told this incident by my friend who related how her maid , when asked

to lock the house main gate using a long chain, did so but...guess where she ended up

standing when the gate was locked. The maid was standing outside on the road ,outside

the house gate. One can guess what actually happened.

Upon reflection, I have to remind myself to be careful when I am engaging in

spiritual warfare prayer , either for myself or others.

1) Make sure that I am living right before I engage in spiritual warfare. Have

you heard of the demon who asked the one binding..." who are you" instead of

the other way around. One must have the spiritual authority to engage in spiritual

warfare.

2) Remembering Luke 11 v 24 to 26, whereby if one does not take the necessary

action, the spirit driven out will come back, bringing with it 7 other spirits.

But..praise be to God for the authority He has given us , in the name of Jesus.

paving the way

2010-01-05T00:38:00.000-08:00

Two incidents happened to me last week. Anyway, say what you want, I have learnt that there is no coincidences in life and for 2

of the same nature to occur, I am very sure that God is telling me something.

The first incident happened at the giant supermarket. I was an early bird and wanted to use my credit at the checkout counter. The cashier

took a long time to get it processed. I told her not to worry and to take her time. Finally she got it done and said to me " the next customer who pays by

credit card need not wait so long ." Why? Probably the machine just needs a warming up ?

The second incident took place at a flea market. I chose a few books at the book stall and when I wanted to pay, I discovered that I had

to pay more compared to the other occasions when I purchase the books. The stall owner tried to explain by saying they were new books. On
closer inspection, it was not true. I told her so. Then she gave me the real reason.At that late morning hour, I was the only customer , making me

the first customer for the day for her. So I asked her, " does this mean that being the first customer, I am to be penalised by paying more?"

Mulling over the 2 incidents made me come to this reflection. In the first instance, being the first customer, am i willing to be inconvenienced

so that others who come after me will be convenienced? So am I willing to be inconvenienced in my daily routine to step out to help

someone in need? Am I willing to share my trial experience and encourage another to look unto Jesus?

In the second instance, I have to pay a higher price for the books.This reminds me of the price Jesus pays on the cross so that I can have

abundant and eternal life. Also, a reminder,at what cost ( time and money included here) am I willing to sacrifice to meet the need of another?

Galatians 6:10

Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

facebook

2010-01-03T00:33:00.000-08:00

Happy new year to everyone.

Just joined facebook and hope can maintain it. Fact that daughter in on facebook

stirs me to join to keep up with her.

Hopefully, it will help me to connect with friends more . I doubt I will play the
games . I dont want it to distract me too much from how I am spending my free time

these days, reading and listening to lots of messages/sermons.

snoozing

2010-01-03T00:29:00.001-08:00

The new school term is starting tomorrow...back to the grind for me and

being a chauffeur for my daughter , ferrying her to her various after-school

activities.

One of her classes is situated inside a gated community. Gated meaning that there

is a guard who checks cars going in and out of the area. I am thinking of dropping

her and then snoozing inside my car ...as the place is a bit far for me to drive

home and then back again to fetch her.

Have you ever snoozed inside your car while waiting for someone? Most times, I

would drive somewhere to have tea by myself while reading one of my novels.

What would you do?

2010

2009-12-31T16:17:00.000-08:00

wishing one and all a blessed 2010.

declaring psalms 90v 17 and psalms 115 v 14 for all and myself in the year ahead.

psalms 90 v 17.. "may the favour of the Lord our God rest upon us ;

establish the work of our hands for us --

yes, establish the work of our hands.'

psalms 115 v 14 " May the Lord make you increase (fill in yourself what you want

the increase in... health, relationships, influence, etc)

both you and your children"

Glory to God in the highest!

perfect timing

2009-12-20T14:49:00.000-08:00

As I was driving on the outside road, I could look at the inner road and saw that all the parking

bays were full. This happened at a busy road and at a busy time of the day. However, when I made

a left turn to enter the inner road, a car pulled out at the right time , giving me a good spot to

park my car.

God not only blesses me with a parking space but He is reminding me that His timing is always

right. So be rest assured whatever circumstance or trial we are going through, keep trusting Him

because He will answer at the perfect time.

I am reminded also of the newspaper report about the man in India manually chipping away at

a mountain for 14 years so that he could drive his truck through the mountain tunnel he made. Reason?

So that he could park his truck in front of his house and need not fear it being stolen.

So if you have any problem and it is like a "mountain" before your eyes, take heart

Psalms 97 v5
The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth.

Rubbish

2009-12-04T19:30:00.000-08:00

I was driving along this narrow road. Suddenly I saw a garbage truck coming slowly towards

me in the opposite direction. I pulled along my side of the road, waiting for it to pass. It took some

time, as it made stops along the road to collect the rubbish thrown out by the residents.

MY spirit ministered to me at the scene before me. Every day, I am bombarded my lots of

media messages or words and pictures either conveyed by individuals or the masses. What do

I do with them.? I can choose to clutter my mind with them or reject them.I can allow them

to influence me or otherwise. Eg, most advertisements pander to the human instinct that

to "belong", one must possess that gadget or to live out a certain lifestyle guarantees

"happiness"?

Philippians 3 v8

" What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ"

Reflection: What was ONE thing in your life which you can consider as rubbish now that you have gained Christ?

handphone

2009-11-28T22:34:00.000-08:00

I thought I lost my handphone at JB airport but it was a false alarm. However, I actually lost

my handphone and discovered it 2 hours later while back in PJ the next day.

The drawback in this loss was that I lost so many handphone numbers. The old way of

recording telephone numbers onto a book should be practised, I learn that now.

I am nobody important but I felt as if I am "contacless" without a handphone. I have not

developed the "sms" syndrome so my fingers did not feel itchy...but there was this

restlessness that I dont have my "security blanket" with me.

On reflection, I am so glad that God always knows my contact number and does not ask me to leave a message when I do call on Him. And that I am

able to call upon Him any time , anywhere. What a glorious thought,huh?

Ps 145v 18 " The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth"

faithfull

2009-11-25T00:26:00.000-08:00

I was very happy and pleased with my son over his UPSR results. Some , if not most people,

might think I am a too-easy- to -please parent. Son only managed one A, for english, naturally.

I really praise God for son's result, given that he did what he could , with minimum effort.

What about God? I am so thankful that He is also pleased with me when I serve Him faithfully

with "what" I have been given by Him...and most importantly, not comparing myself with another.

Reminding myself to use my "one" talent faithfully as in

Matthew 25v23 "... you have been faithfull in a few things.."

pressure

2009-11-10T23:08:00.000-08:00

This year, I tried making mooncakes, the "ping pei' variety. My hairdresser gave me the

recipe and assured me that making it was a breeze.

I enlisted my good friend to help me. When pressing the dough, I was reminded to press

hard so that the mooncake would have a clear design on it. Initially, I did not press hard

enough.

hrough this, God is reminding me of the pressures of life that we undergo . The harder the

pressure, the more we would be like Him at the end of it. This is provided that we

go through it by abiding in Him and following His ways. A good attitude is necessary too. Any

grumbling and moaning may mean having to wander around the "desert"for a longer period

like the israelites of old. But be rest assured, 1 Corinthians 10v 13 says..." And God is faithful.

He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear.."

Reflection: Thanking God for the pressure that we are facing now because they

mould us to be more like Him.

But then God...

2009-11-05T05:02:00.000-08:00

Ever felt that it is just too much...you can't go on...it is too hard... the

pressure is too great....how you wish you don't have to face the circumstance..how

you wish you had not taken that step....how you wish that person is not there to

irritate you....

BUT then God....

reminds you He does not leave you or forsake you..

He has the perfect plan for your life( which includes the imperfect

people in your life now)

His grace is sufficient for you..

His mercies are new every morning

He is your Help and Deliverer (Ps 70v5)

So, I say to my soul,

Don't fret...

but

R ..... righteous life

E ...... exalt God

S .....steadfast spirit

T ......thankful spirit

in God

twin

2009-10-22T05:45:00.000-07:00

ook a quick look around the coffee shop and decided on ordering fried koay teow as take-away. After placing my order,

a loud sound was heard, accompanied by the screeching of car brakes. Obviously an accident has occurred. The koay teow seller, instead of

attending to my order, rushed out and I was left waiting , for more than 10 minutes. I wondered why he was so interested in the accident , to the

extent of ignoring my order.

On his return, I overheard him on his cell phone, informing someone to bring the tow truck over. I knew then that he has gone to do.

check out the accident and there must be something lucrative for him to be an informer ( better that than to attend to my meagre 2 packets

koay toew order)

So, imagine this man , who sells koay toew , but has his ear tuned to the other lucrative business. I make many choices and decisions daily.

I have to consciously choose to listen to the voice of the flesh or the voice of the Spirit. Knowing very well that it is more to my spiritual benefit

and from an eternal perspective to make the better choice, am I ever so ready to submit to the Holy Spirit and act immediately when I hear

His prompting. Or do I dilly dally and lose the opportunity to be God's hands and legs when the opportunity presents itself to bless someone?

Thomas the disciple, is known as doubting Thomas. But I have just learnt that his name means "twin " in Hebrew. All of us has a Thomas in us.

We can choose to listen to our the voice of our evil twin, ( flesh) or the voice of our good twin. ( spirit) May we choose wisely.

Deut 11 v 26- 28

PMR exam

2009-10-10T00:27:00.000-07:00

It was the first day of my daughter's PMR exam. I was focussed on upholding her in prayer during the time when she was actually

sitting for the papers. Imagine my surprise when I discovered at the end of the day, after her papers have ended, that I was wearing a pair

of unmatched sandals. They were both in the same colour and height but of completely different designs.

This speaks to me of 2 things. One, if only I would allow myself to be so focussed on Jesus daily, I will not be so easily distracted

by anything that comes my way. Hebrews 3 v 1 "...fix your thoughts on Jesus..."

On discovering that I was wearing the wrong pair of shoes, I quickly went to to change into a matching pair. Thinking to myself,

how quickly will I respond if I am convicted of a sin in my life ? Or do I allow my spirit to be numbed and not respond

in repentance?

Prayer: That my heart will always be a heart of flesh and always sensitive to the Holy Spirit

imitator and counterfeit

2009-10-01T23:47:00.000-07:00

Most schools have an official attire , of the same colour and design, for their staff to wear at school functions. My school is no exception.

A suitable batik material was chosen and bulk orders made. Imagine the disappointment and unpleasant surprise when the materials were

delivered but the tone of the colour of the material and even the design were unsatifactory. It was indeed a poor "imitation "of the original.

It was revealed later that the original workers could not handle the bulk orders and so a different group of workers was responsible for the poor quality job.

We are living in the last days and our enemy is working hard to "imitate" or "counterfeit" God's works and miracles. But I am reminded of my response in

Ehesians 5 v 1 " Be imitators of God." and v 8 ".. to live as children of light."

I used to think that to protect myself against the deceived works of the enemy, I need to be informed of all the "deceptive" characteristics of the

enemy. I thought that I should focus on him and his ways so as to protect myself against him. Then I read of how the US treasury officials trained their

workers to detect counterfeit notes. They were only given genuine notes to handle , day in and day out. Their hands got so used to touching and

feeling the genuine that when a counterfeit note was deliberately placed in between the genuine, they spotted the false note straight away.

So, am reminding myself here ..pS 63 V 1 " O God, You are my God,earnestly I seek You; my soul thirsts for you.." seeking God day in and day out

should help me to recognise the false christ when he appears before me, right?

billboard

2009-09-25T02:57:00.000-07:00

Today's news caught my attention; this lady used a billboard to advertise the loss of her 2 precious dogs.

Asking myself whether the billboard of my life is advertising "The Way"

or am I a "double-minded " man..( james 1v8 )

or do I claim to have " faith' but " no deeds" ( James 2v 14)

or do I only "look to my own interests" ( Phil 2 v 4)

Reflection: Let me be consciously aware that I am " a dwelling in which God lives

by His Spirit" ( Ephesians 2 v 22)

God's gentle whisper

2009-09-24T01:09:00.000-07:00

While sticking stamps onto envelopes at the post office, I saw this lady next to me, sticking stamps onto her Deepavali cards. I exclaimed to her, " Wow, already sending ou cards, huh?" Her response? She ignored me, without a word.

At the evening market, I heard one indian lady speaking in perfect cantonese.

I made a positive comment to her. Her response? Silence.

These 2 instances were as if God is trying to remind me of the times when

His prompting or word to me is greeted with silence; partly because I was too

busy doing my own thing or too preoccupied to be distracted. Or is it because

other voices have been seducing me away from His presence so that I cannot even

recognise God's 'gentle whisper' ( 1 Kings 19v 12) when He speaks to me.

Prayer: Praying for the sensitivity to listen to God's voice in the midst

of my daily routine.

traffic lights

2009-09-20T03:35:00.000-07:00

I was told of this incident whereby the motorbike rider stopped at the

traffic lights and was knocked by a car driver from behind. The rider is in coma

now.

A few days later, I heard of a car which stopped , also at the traffic lights

and was knocked from behind, by another car.

This got me thinking. It is dangerous to be in a state of inertia in my spiritual

life. I am responsible to keep my faith growing by doing the necessary. Quiet time

being the most important.

I must not allow myself to be in a state of inertia , only dwelling on past

victories and have no "fresh' testimonies.

A day later, something else happened. I was sitting in my parked car while

waiting for my daughter to finish her class. My car was at a proper parking bay.

A driver driving in the opposite direction ( wrong way..as it is a one-way street)

surged forward and frantically tried to park his car into a parking lot. The

tail end of his car came very near to the side of my car and I tooted at him.

He chose to ignore it( later he said he heard the horn but couldnt see clearly

as it was raining) The result was a little dent at the side of my car.

Anyway, to continue along the vein of what I was sharing, this incident made me

wonder as to whether sometimes warfare prayers have no effect. I could be waging

against the enemy but it might have no effect. The enemy did not recognise my

voice because it has no authority for the simple reason that I might not have been

leading a holy life and upright life? This reminds me of the demon who asks

"Who are you" in one incident in the Bible.

Also being reminded that "partial sin " in one's life does not result in
'partial glory or anointing". Instead, it results in "NO glory or anointing"

Prayer: Father God, help me in my walk with You and to recognise You at work

in my life and to strengthen my inner man to always obey You.

jeremiah 42 v 6

2009-09-13T01:23:00.000-07:00

I thought that my part of the work has been completed. Her assistant requested for the finished product from me.

However upon submission, I was told that it fell short of the 'requirements". I had no idea that there were "certain requirements

and information " that I had to include.

"oh, it was contained in the letter" she says.

"What letter? I have yet to see any letter which she says she has receeived a long time ago. I asked to see the letter but she says

it is at home.

I felt as if a) she could have deliberately not shown me the letter. Why? (So I could not do a good and complete job?)

b) wanted to put me in a bad light ( show my incompetency?)

More importantely, how should I re-act?

a) Grumbled inwardly, but still have to re-do?

b) Find out what needs to be done and get on with it?

How I reacted....I did a little of (a) and then knowing that I could commit to God and really desiring to act the way God wants me to,

I decided to seek God 's forgiveness for thinking the worse of her. I ask God to bless her and trust God to help me re-do my part of the work.

Testimony! Before the day was over, she told me ( I ran into her, she didnt come to me) that what I needed to compile was just a VERY small

portion and the rest of the data would be assigned to others.

Reflections: a) God could be testing me ..wants to see if I could re-act the way He wants me to.

b) Jeremiah 42v6 " Whether it is favourable or unfavourable, we will obey the Lord our God" May this be true in our everyday decisions!

hospital visitation

2009-08-30T02:52:00.000-07:00

The door of the hospital room could not be opened. The ways used included

pulling at it or pushing it. Someone came over to help. With ease, he slid the

room door to the right and it opened.

This reminds me of John 14 v 6. All other ways to find fulfillment in life

are a waste of time .

At the hospital car park, someone tried to help guide the car out. However

the driver could easily, without guidance, manouevered her car out.

This speaks to me how I also try to help God along the way, so that my prayers are

in my own way or in my own timing. But God doesn't need my help. He only needs me to

completely trust Him. Psalms 33 v 20 - 22

P/S Hospital visitation is something not normally practised during these days of

H1N1 but even as I went , God ministered to me in the 2 ways above. PTL

ministering LIFE

2009-08-03T15:25:00.000-07:00

Son : My friend knows the meaning of the words ( bahasa language) but doesn't

know what to do with them ( meaning he doesn't know how to construct

sentences with the words)

Son : ( sighing) If I only knew the meaning of the words, I would know what

to do with them!

Reflection: This speaks to me of how I need to really go deep into God's

WORD, and not just knowing what it means, but to have a

revelation and discernment to apply The WORD to minister to

people in need, to minister LIFE into their lives, to be

a RIVER in the desert to quench their thirst.

( Isaish 32 v 1 - 4)

Prayer: Holy Spirit, continue to fill me with Your anointing

daily.

God of the 'suddenly'

2009-07-30T05:05:00.000-07:00

This pastor of a small church spoke of how we are to recognise God at work in the

ordinariness of our daily life. In a small town, day in and day out, nothing

exciting happens. One day, a grandmother of 80 years old, came to his church for

prayer. She complained of intense pain. ( leg area, I think). She thought" I have

nothing to lose. ( Hokkien.."tan si niah'....waiting for death to arrive , at this

age) But she was healed! She didnt return to church, being a non-believer.

But her grandson who is a christian and working in KL had an accident and given 10

days' leave. He went home and day in and day out, encouraged his grandmother to

attend church. Finally, she relented... went to church and testified and wanted to

be baptised. Idols were removed from her house and it is now the talk of the town.

People are telling one another..." wah tiah tuk.." I heard that..)

My reflection: Our God is a God of the 'suddenly' ..as we stay faithful to Him

daily, He will surely work through us and in us for the glory of His name.

Ps 113 v 3

problems

2009-07-24T17:09:00.000-07:00

I was discussing the kind of problems and challenges that people might face

in life. Daughter concludes that believers face more problems than unbelievers.She

reasons that this is because the devil is always trying to discourage people

from getting close to God.

This reminds me of Acts 14 v 22 "... we must go through many hardships

to enter the kingdom of God."

clock and cisterns

2009-07-17T21:28:00.000-07:00

I bought a cheap ( RM 10 to RM15) clock and when it didn't work, the battery was

changed. That didn't solve the problem and when I asked the seller , she said

" did you use a powerful battery for the clock"? Explaining further, she said the

alarm could only work if a cheap battery was used.

That was proven true.

Reflection: Realising how my spirit ( clock) could not receive/respond to the

Holy Spirit's( powerful battery) promptings sometimes....because

a) maybe mind and spirit have been clogged with worldly cares?

b) focussed on wordly pleasures...because "have dug own cisterns...

that cannot hold water."( jeremiah 2 v13 )

props

2009-07-14T02:18:00.000-07:00

I am feeling a little out of sorts , reason being that my faithful laptop

has been sent for servicing. ( and a brand new one at that!) I have been listening

reading lots of sermons , messages etc. on it.

I have a feeling that God is reminding me that even even laptops and what

technological tools ( awesome musical instruments, PA system etc during church

worship) are just props and I am to worship Him in spirit and truth ( from a

pure heart).

reflection : Ps 51 v 17

end from the beginning

2009-07-11T04:06:00.000-07:00

She grumbled and complained while preparing her speech. She asked why she was

picked to be one of the 7 from her class and speech was in Bahasa. It would

have been so much easier if it had been in English.

After it was over, she said that the external assesor commented that she would

be awarded an "A" if it were a written assessment.( This made her think that

as this was an oral exam, maybe she didn't get an "A"?)

When the external assessor asked for an extra candidate( poor girl, she was not

asked to prepare earlier) Realizing how she could have been that "last unprepared

candidate" , she was thankful to God to be among the few chosen "scapegoats"

Realizing how sometimes I also may fall into the trap of blaming God...and asking

why.....but God sees the end from the beginning? Praise God.

P/S external assessor awarded her an "A"

( ps 142 v 7 " Set me free from my prison ( negative thoughts, doubts) that I

may praise your name")

bread

2009-07-06T06:00:00.000-07:00

This evening, I bought 3 different loaves of bread; a breakthrough

loaf, a white loaf and a butterscotch loaf. Each loaf satisfies the craving

of a certain member of the family.

I am reminded of Matthew 4 v 4 which says " ...man does not live by bread

alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God."

Prayer: "Yes, Lord, asking that Your Word will fall afresh on me

every time I seek Your face. Remove familiarity from me.

In Jesus name, amen"

this and that

2009-07-04T01:25:00.000-07:00

1) stll waiting for the cake recipe from the lady I met at the supermarket.

2) the overseas blogger will be back in Malaysia with his family so the timing

was not right for my friends to meet him

3) the message I shared at school CF was about faith...how we need to

co-operate with God even as we trust in Him. Remember how the 10 lepers were

healed? Luke 17v 14 "... And as they went, they were healed." Jesus asked

them to show themselves to the priest.

4) Thankful that daughter was also ministered during the message and already put

it into practice the next day.

Isn't it wonderful that as we minister to others, we can trust the Holy Spirit

to minister to our loved ones?

5) On 2 separate occasions, I sent a Bible verse , one by sms and another

written out for an unwell friend. The feedback came back that the 2 verses

were very apt for the 2 different occasions.Praise God!

( Heb 3 v 13 " Encourage one another daily)

6) Deaths of Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcet served to remind me

Ps 146 v 4 "When their spirits depart, ... on that very day their plans came

to nothing."

So I shall resolve to redeem my time , what about you?

dry and irrelevant

2009-06-29T05:30:00.000-07:00

Last week, the girls from the school CF asked me to take over the meeting

and I obliged as their advisor was absent. As she was asbsent again today, and

fearing that she might not turn up tomorrow, I told the president I would prepare

a message in case I need to deliver one. I want to give a message which can

minister to their inner man and not just one which is "dry" and "irrelevant."

Therefore, have prayed for leading of the Holy Spirit even as I sought

on what to speak on. Should anyone read this, say a prayer for me ... will be

speaking at 145pm or so tomorrow.

Prayer.. " Speak through me, Lord, to refresh the souls of your children.In

Jesus' name, amen"

science seminar

2009-06-28T00:28:00.000-07:00

Me: How was your science training seminar?

Son: I nearly fell asleep.

Me: Why?

Son: The teacher put me at the back of the class.

Me: Is it because you are one of the better students ( he obtained the highest

mark in his class after all) and the weaker ones are placed in front?

Son: No. It is because I am so tall but I could hardly see what was going on.

Me: ??

seeing and loving

2009-06-28T00:03:00.000-07:00

In the new worship song this morning, one line reverberates in my

spirit,

" The more we see You, the more we love You."

The more I see God for who He is and experience Him, the more I am

captivated by Him.

This makes me reflect on human relationships..especially couples who

choose to stay together before commiting to marriage ( why?) and statistically

speaking, many of these relationships don't end up in marriage later. This could

be because the more they "see" each other ( especially when there is no need to

put up a "false front" or "pretence"...purpose.. to "impress") the more they see

the not-so-good qualities of the other?

waiting and wondering

2009-06-25T04:42:00.000-07:00

This lady in front of me has some apples in her basket. I asked what she bought

them for ( call it nosey or curious me) She says she is going to bake an apple-

apricot cake. I asked if she could send me the recipe and gave her my email

address. Let's wait and see if that happens.

My church elder and wife will be travellig overseas. He is on his sabbatical.

I remember one blogger I comunicated with some time back who did invite me to go

visit if I am ever in his country. Well, I have just sent him an email to ask

if he and family would like to play host to my elder and wife. Let's wait and see

if that happens.

fathers

2009-06-21T14:59:00.000-07:00

Perceptive daughter has already told me weeks in advance what her dad needed and

she wanted me to help her get it for him.

A father is indeed a great influence on daughters especially and many say it

often reflects our perspective of our heavenly father. My dad was a very

undemonstrative father, I don't remember receiving any hugs from him. But he showed

himself to be a very responsible provider ( of 8 kids) and this might help me

to be able to receive this truth of God...

ps 23 v 1 " The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not be in want.."

I have forgotten if I wrote this before in any post. My father was the one who

carried me on his bicycle , second brother would carry third brother on another

bicycle, and they would park the 2 bicycles at the bus stop, and off we go by bus

to watch the latest James Bond movie in town. This is one memory of my father. I

don't remember him indulging in anything else.

cheerful heart

2009-06-21T06:08:00.000-07:00

As I was unwell last week, migraine beginning of the week and a cold middle

of the week onwards,my principal asked whether I was feeling the stress of having

being treasurer ...collecting and counting money from the school jogathon.Quite the

reverse, in fact. This year, I have such a creative and organised way to do the

collection. All glory to God for inspiring me with this idea.

Trying to play doctor as I self-prescribed echinacea and vitamin C to myself,

and feeling so much better today. After all, proverbs 17 v22 says " A cheerful

heart is good medicine..."

chariots and horses

2009-06-19T04:22:00.000-07:00

Second brother will be travelling to be with his eldest daughter at her graduation in Scotland. She went over to study pharmacy on a JPA scholarship.
Well, swine flu or not, I think he made the right decision to travel.

Youngest brother is home for a short stint. His daughter would have completed her O levels and joining him for good at place where he is posted.He has been invited to be the VIP guest cum speaker at his alma mater's speech day. If I were to travel with him home, just maybe, I would go listen to see what he has to say.

A reminder from the Lord today, Ps 20 v 7 ".. some trust in chariots and some in
horses,but we trust in the name of the Lord our God". This was because I was wondering whether to ask youngest brother to do some name-dropping with regards to my earlier application ... as if to safeguard being posted far away.

unfailing love

2009-06-14T01:54:00.000-07:00

1) once in a while, I will be stricken with migraine or giddiness. Had that last

night, turned in early so will be fresh to worship God today.

2) Driving to church, having a song in my hear ( despite still having a "heavy"

head, and recalling God's unfailing love . During the week, I felt God reminding

me of His unfailing love. I told God I want an encounter from Him.

3) The first worship song ...you guessed it....is on God's unfailing love.

Praise God!

Ps 32 v 10 " ... but the Lord's unfailing love surrounds the man who trusts

in Him"

Proverbs 19 v 22 "... what a man desires is unfailing love..."

what kind of a mother are you?

2009-06-12T04:43:00.000-07:00

I was thrown offguard when this guy( accusingly) threw this question at me.

"What kind of a mother are you?"

Thanking God, that I didn't lose my cool and in a tone that didn't match his,

I took the opportunity to explain about my faith in God. And how daughter is

experiencing her walk with God and how GOING to church does NOT make one a

christian.

Reflection: Thanking God for every opportunity to witness and praying that

I will pay more heed to Proverbs 11v30 "... and he who wins souls

is wise."

broken

2009-06-11T00:45:00.000-07:00

Had a few things serviced this week.First was the fitness exercise bike and the

service technician, after checking, knew immediately what was wrong.

Second were the air-conditioners. This proved a little tricky. It was either the

starter problem or not enough gas and I received a shock when told that one of

compressors needed to be changed. ( Cost of a compressor came to RM500 while a

new air-conditioner costs RM1200. Of course, being the rational person that I am,

I opted to buy a new air conditioner instead.

Reflection: Thanking God, regardless of how "broken" ( emotionally, physically or

mentally)I am, He doesn't disregard me but wants me to come to Him

for total healing .Ps 34 v 18 " The Lord is close to the brokenhearted

and saves those who are crushed in spirit."

praising God

2009-06-09T03:32:00.000-07:00

I was told that many of the church members were touched at the recent camp.

I was so looking forward to much sharing and a better attendance at the weekly

prayer meeting.Was disappointed as only 7 of us turned up for prayer, 3 ladies and

4 men.

Understandably, there are so many other "activities" to occupy believers.

How is your church attendance at prayer meets?

My prayer: Father God, I repent and ask for forgiveness for the many times that

we seek Your face and engage in persistent prayer only for selfish

breakthroughs in our own lives. Help us to realise that You desire to

fellowship with us, and to remember that

Ps 50v 23" He who sacrifices thank offerings honours me,

and he prepares the way so that I may show him the salvation

of God"

As I read this psalm this morning, that verse leaps in my spirit.

When we praise God( in whatever circumstances we find ourselves) it

opens the way for God to work. Praising Him shows our faith in Him.

Do you agree?

wedding

2009-06-07T16:32:00.000-07:00

Attended a wedding over the weekend. Met 3 schoolmates who were either friends

or relatives on the bride side.

One recognised me ( she said because I was one of the top students in school at

that time)although I couldn't place her.

Being reminded that I am to make myself ready for the wedding of the Lamb.

( Rev 19v 7)

egypt

2009-06-06T03:50:00.000-07:00

This lady is burdened for the son who is now separated from his wife.He tells

mother that he feels so "liberating".

I tell the mother that the "garlic" and "onions " of Egypt may be tasty now, but

it is only for a season.

Are you in "Egypt"?

Then pray PS 80v 7 " restore us (me) O God,

make Your face shine upon us"(me)

compassionate God

2009-06-05T01:46:00.000-07:00

I asked daughter , if given a choice,( after commiting a misdeed) she would prefer

A) man or

B) God

to punish her. She chooses God , believing that if she truly repents of her wrongdoing,God would be merciful to her and forgive her. Although daughter's faith is very young, I am so glad she knows this attribute of God.

I then told her of the situation faced by David mentioned in 1 Chronicles 21.
"Satan rose up against Israel and incited David to take a census of Israel."
David was given 3 options of how he would be punished.

David's choice, (v13) "Let me fall into the hands of the Lord,for his mercy is very great; but do not let me fall into the hands of men."

Lamentations 3 v 22, 23 " Because of the Lord's great love, we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning, great is Your faithfulness."

blessed

2009-06-04T03:56:00.000-07:00

An online sermon I heard this morning mentioned Jer 6 v 16. This is the second time I am directed to this verse these last 2 weeks and I know it is not by accident. God is speaking to me.This is one way God leads or confirms something to me. How does God lead you?

Today God just wants me to be on the receiving end . I am the one being blessed today. I attended ladies meet at church, ( only could make it during school hols as it is held on a thursday morning.)I was blessed with "nasi dagang" for lunch.

I am always on the look-out to encourage someone and I find that God's word speaks so much more powerfully but God is saying that likewise, He wants me to learn to receive from Him as well.

happenings

2009-06-03T02:37:00.000-07:00

1) went to the market, this morning, intending to buy some "chai kueh" or "pau" with turnip fillings to bless 2 ladies.However, the stalls were closed.

I took my daughter to visit one of these ladies end of last year. Daughter was so taken in by her that she wrote her first essay for the year on her as the assigned essay title was " A person I admire".Lady in question is a lady who has to be assisted by her 2 maids for her basic function, lying in bed but still mentally alert and an encourager in every way. She uses the phone to pray for people or minister to them. I remember giving her a verse isaish61 v 3 to describe her, "...called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendour"

2) wanted to pass some novels to my son's classmate's mum but didnt see her at school.

3)managed to pass the previous day's newspapers though.

4)wrote an encouraging email and prayer to someone. Did that 2 days ago also, I think. But I received a quick reply of thanks from the latter.

5) a phone call just came in asking me ( as old treasurer of apartment management committee, signatories haven't been changed yet) to sign some cheques

6) will visit pasar malam after this, probably to enjoy my favourite laksa.

7) a trip to giant to get some sundries.

8) and lastly, church prayer meet tonight.

reflections

2009-06-02T01:12:00.000-07:00

Reflections:

I received an sms from the friend I mentioned earlier who came to me and cried? Her sms states that her ailment is NOT the serious one as she feared. PTL ( Godd of her to let me know...or I will be wondering)

While at son's school today to pick him up ( extra classes held) I remembered his vice principal telling me one day that she has not conceived after a few years of marriage. Remember what I shared in my earlier post about the lady I prayed for who conceived? ( although she didnt come back to thank me? so that God is glorified? Reminds me of the 10 lepers)
So, I walked up to this vice principal and offered to pray for her ( aggressively looking for people to pray for) And she consented, she has not conceived after trying for 6 years. I shared about the earlier lady with her. After praying, she thanked me profusely and said she will "belanja" me when she conceives.

Let's wait for good report....am just a vessel.

Then I went to the library to return 2 books which are long overdue, stopping to buy some curry puffs for the voluntary librarians. This library is mainly run by expatriates.

Oh yeah, I also dropped in to visit my elder's wife who shared about the church camp. I bought her 2 curry fish heads to supplement her lunch . Her hubby asks me for previous days' newspapers ( these will be passed to him tomorrow...a blessing booked for tomorrow already)

So, elder's wife said that there was this nature trail ( at Fraser's Hill) and they were asked to pick up anything along the way and later shared about it.For eg, she mentioned about one lady who picked up a liquor bottle and shared that it reminded her not to be drunk with wine. A few others pick up flowers. I told her that I would not have picked flowers. I would want a piece of hardwood, to symbolise the blessed man( woman) in psalms 1 v 1 - 3.By the way, " whose leaf does not wither" ..leaf here symbolises good health as leaves of many plants have healing
properties.

What would you pick on the nature trail?

use me

2009-05-31T16:56:00.000-07:00

Pentecostal Sunday yesterday.

My prayer:

" More of you, Lord

FLow in me, Holy Spirit

Flow through me

To bless others"

So that as psalms 67 v 7 says "God will BLESS us , and all the ends of the

earth will FEAR Him"

So looking back on yesterday, have I been a blessing?

1) gave ( "dumped"?) some stuff to someone

2) gave a lift home to someone I ran into after church...and she wanted a lift to
a nearby shop to buy some stuff first.

3) fried "cucuk udang" for my 2 sisters-in-law. ( consciously wanting to bless them)

4) received an SOS call from one lady who stays near church , wanted help to fix

her gas tank. Daughter asked me why she called me.....God must have "told" her

of my "availability"?

Shall I challenge you to say you want to be a blessing today and blog on how God

works through you?

childbirth pangs

2009-05-31T05:24:00.000-07:00

In one sermon, the speaker was saying that childbirth pangs are very painful

and in the same manner, any ministry or idea that God has birthed in you will

involve much pain before it bears fruit. So we need to have patience.

The thing is , I "cheated" in the sense that even though I have 2 kids, I

didn't experience childbirth pangs. Reason being that I have read up so much on

epidural and so, had my anaesthesist administer me that before he clocked out

for the day on the 2 occasions!

So, I "escaped" childbirth pangs in the natural realm but if I want to

experience victory in the spiritual realm, I must go through them.

thanks

2009-05-31T05:17:00.000-07:00

My daughter has commented before that my blog doesn't look attractive as it is colourless, unattractive and it contains no pics. Worse of all, I don't have a pic of myself to show, not IT savvy being one of the reasons for this.

So, thanks for the one or two who still drop by to read my 2 cents worth.

leisurely saturday

2009-05-29T21:29:00.000-07:00

Lasr saturday was a hectic day for me. Had to attend an in-service course at shah alam ( a compulsory thing for ALL teachers which covers 6 hours for 6 saturdays of the year) and then, in the evening i was on duty in school from 8pm to 11pm . The uniformed bodies were having their annual camp and some of us teachers took turns to be on duty.

So this saturday was such a relaxed one. Already been out of the house twice, for marketing
and just now, to buy "roti telur" for my son. He wants them hot from the hotplate, so to speak.

Wondering if I should pop in at any book sale later?

What are your saturday plans?

vessel

2009-05-29T04:35:00.000-07:00

When she comes to me to either complain or grumble about another , I would try to let her

see things from God's perspective. She would then walk off , not wanting to hear what I have to

say.

This morning, she came to sit beside me and after some idle chat, she cried and told me she has

to consult a doctor next week about this health problem she is having. Giving her a tissue to

wipe her tears, I then decided to speak God's word of faith into her spirit and prayed for her.

Feeling good to be a vessel for HIM.

FAT

2009-05-29T04:32:00.000-07:00

On being served slices of cake , I would refuse at times because at my age, it is too easy
to put on weight.

My hostess then says that "FAT" also stands for

faithfull, available and teachable.

So do you have these "FAT" attributes?

right motive

2009-05-27T02:14:00.000-07:00

My school principal said to the 3 of us in the same category who applied for promotions. "You will be sent out as school principals"

My best friend and I wondered if we could take the responsibility. However, bearing in mind that true promotion comes from God, and seeking His will in this matter, and only desiring that we get the promotion only if we are more effective for His kingdom due to the influence and position of authority we will have, we experience God's peace.

I did ask myself these questions as to why I seek a promotion.

a) is it for the money? ( a little)

b) to escape the present workload? ( a little)

c) for the status? ( No)

d) or to be better used by God? ( yes)

The heart is ''deceitful" so asking God to check my motive and thanking Him for Psalms 138v8

" The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me.."

Proverbs 16 v 2
"

Teachers day presents

2009-05-26T04:33:00.001-07:00

It's not every year that my daughter has praises for her teachers. This year, she has praises for one particular one, who happens to teach her 2 subjects. She tells me that the teacher is very hardworking , dedicated and committed.

As such, daughter wants to know what I am buying for her teachers. She asks me to get an extra special present for this teacher.

Some of the gifts I am getting are novels, shawl, lipstick holder, bathroom slippers, batik sarung and chocolates. Maybe, some home baked muffins as well.

One item teachers don't like to receive is small decorative items which they don't know what to do with! A handmade card speaks volumes though.

promotion

2009-05-25T04:56:00.000-07:00

I was not sure whether to apply for a promotion , which means
a) an increase in salary ( already running on the spot ..reached maximum already)

b) but I have to agree to be posted ANYwhere, and this sounds a bit daunting. It would be
an administrative position. So as usual, some "spies" brought bad reports, telling me
about the "giants " in the land....mayb get posted to sabah?? sarawak??

But I think God prepared my heart for this when I read Daniel 5v 19 " ...those he wanted to promote, he promoted.."

Moreover, 2 weeks ago, I read about discerning God's will... how one should not just stay in a position of inertia and ask God to show, but to choose to act and allow God to guide. Even if a mistake or wrong choice is made, God can still turn things around.

However, would appreciate prayers on this..let His will reign in this matter!

eulogy

2009-05-19T06:37:00.000-07:00

I received the sms to inform me that she has gone to be with the Lord. I was quickened to want to prepare an eulogy, thinking that I would deliver it if time permits.u
During the wake, no eulogy was given by any of the church members. ( to my surprise)

So, my spirit man took over and I jumped to my feet to deliver what I have prepared. Would you believe it if I told you I had less than 5 interactions with the deceased, 3 of which were spent on minstering to her in prayer and God's word. She was stricken with cancer 2 years ago. I didn't know her when she was well.

You might wonder what I spoke of....I spoke of her faith and trust in the Lord, how to me, her death did not spell defeat because she has passed her test of faith, and run her race well. Also, victorious living does not mean living a problem-free life but living it in the power of the presence of God.

I ended with psalms 16 v11.

Have you ever delivered an eulogy?

weighed down

2009-05-08T23:27:00.000-07:00

The snatch theft incident gave me something to ask myself.

When I saw the thief's knife pointed towards me, I did 3 things ( was asked how i did that, could only reply...with God's help)

1) I screamed ( not that it helped..no one came to my aid)

2) I was carrying my long-strapped handbag across my shoulder. I removed it and threw it away

3) ran in the opposite direction towards my friend's house.

Question to myself...as I run this race ( Heb 12 v 1) am I carrying any "weight' which is weighing me down and distracting me from running my race well?

P/S the handbag didn't not have any cash or important documents, which leads to 2 theories.

a) some say these "thieves " would be so angry with me and would try to seek me out "again"

b) they won't waste their time with me "again"

What do you think?

Speech day

2009-05-07T15:08:00.000-07:00

I was (again) head of the prize giving committee for my school speech day. I lost 3 of my committe members at the last minute because a) one had to undergo an operation b) one had to sit for her masters exam on that day c) one had to be out of school .

On top of that, I felt unwell on that day. There were some unexpected hitches on stage as well due to some last minute absence and presence of the prize winners.

At the post mortem yesterday, the principal said to me " Maybe you didnt "berdoa" ( pray) hard enough?"
I responded, I prayed but I take it as "dugaan Tuhan" ( God's testing)

How do you respond to unaswered prayers?

unearthly hour

2009-05-07T07:17:00.000-07:00

On working days, I wake up between 4 to 4.30am and between 5 to 5.0m on non-working days. I have been asked what I do at such an unearthly hour? ( Ps 5 v3..)

I turn in at 10.30pm most nights.

Sounds like I lead a farmer's life, huh?

humbling experience

2009-05-06T14:48:00.001-07:00

She has been trying to conceive for the past 3 years. One day I ask if she would allow me to pray for her. She agreed.

Glory to God.....guess you know what happened?

My response....it was such a humbling experience

less noise

2009-05-04T03:39:00.001-07:00

A friend told me that her car was making a lot of noise due to a faulty exhaust.

I ask myself....am I just a "noisy" believer or am I displaying "quietly" the fruit of the Holy Spirit?

I wouldn't want to be in the category described in 2 Timothy 3 v 5 " having a form

of godliness but denying its power".

psamls 91

2009-05-04T03:29:00.000-07:00

A snatch theft encounter left me a little shaken, ( because there were 2 of them and one with a knife pointed towards me) but unharmed.

Realizing too that we are living in the days when Psalms 91 is going to be very real.

foolishness?

2009-02-02T07:11:00.000-08:00

I mentioned to daughter that one teacher in school was carrying her new handbag, branded. which costs her RM400. ( GUESS the brand?)

Daughter : I feel so bad thinking how I wasted yours and dad's money last time when I was

younger , asking for Heelies shoes and Barbie dolls. It was so foolish of me.

Why is it that your friend, ( the teacher) being more matured than me(meaning she should know how to think?) want to spend so much on a handbag?

looking youthful

2009-02-02T07:07:00.001-08:00

I was listening to a health doctor online and commented to my daughter that he

looked very youthful and has good complexion. I concluded that his health tips

must be effective.

Daughter replies that she would leave me to follow his tips as she wants to look older, not

younger! ( I was tickled to hear her response)

ang pow tales

2009-01-29T18:56:00.000-08:00

Situation A

This grandmother will distribute her ang pows , the size of content will depend on
how much she is given. As such, she couldn't get her ang pows pre-packed in advance. The result? A mix-up is bound to happen. Even the "big one" she was given was given away in the confusion.

Situation B

This grandmother packed her ang pows in advance for her grandkids. However, not all the grandkids visited at the same time. She wanted to give an extra big one, she kept it in
pocket, waiting for this grandkid to arrive. But when he did , much later, she forgot all about it , thinking she has already distributed all.

Situation C

One daughter reminded one grandmother that she was not given any...the previous year and asks to reclaim hers this year.(?)

Situation D

One christian lady says she no longer gives out ang pows as she doesnt want to breed discontentment among the receivers. In the past, she has noticed that kids would open up their red packets and start comparing and criticize the givers as either "generous" or "stingy".

Blessing all my readers with Proverbs 4 v 18

" The path of the righteous is like the

first gleam of dawn,

shining ever brighter till the

full light of day"

christmas gift

2008-12-24T14:54:00.000-08:00

Blessed christmas one and all.

What are you giving to The One whose birthday it is this year?

More time with Him?

Making Him Lord over more areas of your life?

faith testing

2008-12-11T03:11:00.000-08:00

Recently I have come across these events.

a) A pastor whose eldest son , 26 years old, died. ( he just obtained his PHD within 3 years)

b) A successful christian businessman, who lost his only son in an accident.

c) Another pastor, whose eldest married son died

d) A pastor whose very loving wife died.

To me, this sounds like a test of faith. If what you hold dearest to your heart is taken away from you, will you still hold on to your faith or give up?

James 1 v 3-4

leaving my comfort zone

2008-11-24T14:29:00.001-08:00

What does it mean to leave your "comfort zone"? Many great men in the Bible responded to God's call in their lives and left their confort zone to serve God. Nehemiah is one example.

Well, just to show what I have done in my very small way . At coffee break after church service, I don't seek to sit with those I know, the people I am comfortable with. I now sit at a new table and wait to see whom God will lead to sit at the same table . And I will try to speak an
encouraging word to that person or persons.

Well, since I have been told and I know that I am an encourager, I tell myself that I want to encourage with God's Word which is sharper than any 2-edged sword, cutting to the spirit. I will use as few of my own words as possible.

Try leaving your comfort zone and share with me your experience?

tears

2008-11-23T13:39:00.000-08:00

At the conference I attended a few months back, speaker A's message really touched my

spirit. Tears would flow freely down my face as I responded to what he was saying.

Speaker B was such a joker that I laughed so hard that tears also flowed .

Am finding that my heart is extra soft and tender these days ..... I cry so easily now.

Ever had my experience?

Want to know how great God is? Job 38 v 31

blind and unfamiliar

2008-11-20T14:40:00.000-08:00

1) Is anyone going through a temporary darkness in your life?

2) Are you doing something unfamiliar in your work life or personal life?

3) Is the journey feeling choppy or rough?

Read Isaish 42 v 16

advice

2008-11-20T14:26:00.000-08:00

What did I say to the new teacher going to get married? It was her last day of invigilation

yesterday.

I told her that no one is perfect. As such, her husband , being human, will fail to meet her

needs at times. That she is not to depend on him for her total happiness. I told her that her

husband is not "God".

As mothers, we have always been told that our children belong to the Lord. That we are to

release them , not hold on to them. ( Last week's sunday speaker went so far as to ask if we

would like to listen to excellent preaching from the pulpit....and then added that those who

raised their one hand are now to raise the other hand to release their children for God's work)

But besides holding on to children, we can also hold on to possessions or our time of course.

Not much has been said about holding on to our spouses, that can happen also of course. In the

reality of our earthly life, one spouse is bound to enter heaven sooner than the other. In many

cases, I see the husband as being the one going off first. But God's grace is sufficient even in such

a situation.

What would you say to my friend ? (who is about to get married)

ramblings

2008-11-17T23:08:00.000-08:00

1) I am invigilating the SPM exam again this year. On days when I am at the centre, my

job is to get two students to witness the unsealing of the question papers.

2) I am volunteering to buy breakfast for the invigilators on thursday ( nasi dagang, anyone).

One of the invigilators volunteers to pay for it as we are getting her a wedding present and

she wants to treat us. I feel sorry for her that she is still sent out by her school as an

invigilator despite having to make preparations for her december wedding.

3) My car bumper was knocked from behind a few days ago.Daughter was amazed at the

amicable manner it was settled.

4) Agreeing with what I read one day that even the greatest spouse will make a "poor" God.

5) Being ministered by Isaish 58 v 11 now.

Am I being difficult?

2008-10-16T01:07:00.000-07:00

Okay, I raised some funds for church youth camp by selling my carrot cake loaves to my colleagues. I managed to raise RM200.

The thing is this: I told the youth committee I want the RM200 to be allocated in any of these ways:

a) subsidise 4 non christians who are attending the camp at RM50 each. ( Cost for them is RM115 each)

b) subsidise 5 christians who manage to bring along a non christian friend to attend the camp at RM35 each ( They pay RM135 per person)

c) or subsidise 2 non christians who really cannot afford to pay at RM100 each.

Tell me, am I being difficult?

Actually, I have my own reason for doing this.

soul mates

2008-10-06T04:54:00.000-07:00

Son: My friend says he didn't touch his school books during the one-week hols.

Me : Like you, huh?

Son: He says he played games the whole day.

Me: Like you, again!

Son: Do you think we are soul mates?

What would you reply to him?

dating

2008-10-01T16:10:00.000-07:00

My nephews and nieces are at the dating phase. On hearing that one of them has broken off,

my daughter' s comment was : Mum , don't makea big thing out of it. It isn't like everyone

marries his first girlfriend!

What about you? Did you walk down the aisle with your first love?

half a century already!

2008-09-24T01:45:00.000-07:00

Going to be half a century old tomorrow! But as daughter says, 50 is the new 40!

You are only as old as you feel, right?

However, am beginning to feel a bit of what book of Ecclesiates 12 says...a lot of metaphors

to describe old age there.

Anyway, praying that my remaining years will have a positive impact on people , remembering always that relationships are what matters most!

passing mark

2008-09-11T04:08:00.000-07:00

My son said that if his classmate had received 2 extra marks , he would

have passed his Bahasa paper. I was wondering aloud why the teacher didn't pass the boy.

Son answered," Well, he didn't try to please the teacher at all , all this while."

What do you think of this? Ever had this experience where you are short of one mark to get a better grade?

durians and moon cakes

2008-08-08T04:06:00.001-07:00

What do durians and moon cakes have in common? I have been able to resist eating durians this season ( except for ONE seed at CG meet 2 weeks ago ) Even a durian feast hosted by a friend did not tempt me. You see, I do like durians but I know they are loaded in calories.

Moon cakes are another favourite of mine. I used to put on weight in the month of September for this reason. But I know I have to eat sparingly now. Besides making a dent in the pocket ( they are really expensive, I think) daughter just reminded me today that one mooncake contains over 1000 calories! A slice ( if it is cut into 9 slices) contains 136 calories.

It may be a victory of sorts to be able to control eating these 2 items. I must aim for the higher victory of being able to control my tongue....use it to say encouraging words , praise another ( a nugget of wisdom also mentioned in " The Last Lecture)" by Randy Pausch ) and not to tear another down.

a reliable friend

2008-07-29T02:23:00.000-07:00

Son: Daniel has borrowed my science note book.

Me: Is your work so complete ?

Son: I am the only reliable friend he has.

Do you have a reliable friend and are you one?

Thank God we have one in Him.

credit card info

2008-07-28T15:24:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, the telebanker wanted to upgrade my credit card. She wanted my mother's name.

What came to mind very clearly at that moment was my mother-in-law's full name instead.

It took me a few minutes to recall my own mother's name.

Anyway, I m so glad that banks recognise mothers enough to require this information, don't you think so?

driving licence

2008-07-28T01:32:00.000-07:00

Man to wife: You'd better check your driving licence. Mine has just expired without me

realising it.

Wife , after checking, exclaimed: Mine shows it expired one year ago!

How will you react if you were the wife? or husband?

When was the longest your licence has lapsed before you renew it?

congrats

2008-07-17T04:00:00.000-07:00

16 July 2008

Brother, you have reached the pinnacle of your career. Congrats!

My prayer for you is that you will remember your roots and be your humble self in your

service for the country. May God continue to shower His wisdom upon you.

news

2008-07-12T14:02:00.000-07:00

Son: I have bad news and good news.

Me: Give me the bad news first.

Which would you rather hear first if you were me?

inertia

2008-07-12T13:59:00.000-07:00

Have been at a state of inertia. Thanks to one blogger who showed concern.

I asked son which category he falls in.

a) He who knows not and knows not he knows not.

b) He who knows not and knows he knows not.

c) He who knows and knows not he knows.

Sometimes though, it is just not enough to know in the head huh? ( Knowing in the heart counts so much more )

teacher's day sms

2008-05-16T04:28:00.000-07:00

My school is only celebrating Teacher's day on coming Friday, as the school exam is still going on.

However, I received this sms from a student who has left school. What made it doubly sweet is that I haven't taught her at all, except for being the teacher to accompany her and some students for an inter -school competition. Then, I showed some concern for her and chatted with her whenever I run into her at school.

It reads," You are not only my teacher,

you are my friend,

philosopher and guide,

all moulded into one person.

I will always be grateful to you

for your support."

It doesn't take much effort to touch someone's life, huh?

salad recipe

2008-05-13T01:11:00.001-07:00

My favourite salad ( to make ) for occasions is this. Prepared it for church lunch on mother's day and will do the same for father's day as well.

The igredients are frozen mixed peas, ( a packet of 500 g ) mini tomatoes, japanese cucumbers ( how much to add depends on you) and lastly, chicken ham. ( cubed and fried a little to make them crispy).

Then add mayonnaise . ( leave it to you again how much you wish to add)

Simple to make , right ? And everyone loves it.

Care to share with me your favourite salad recipe?

exam season

2008-05-13T00:53:00.000-07:00

It is the exam season now. Son received his maths marks early.

Son: I passed even though I didn't revise. Some of those revised but they failed!

Daughter: I know I will get "A" even if I don't revise but I am aiming for 100.

What do you think of this difference between my 2 kids?

parents' day?

2008-05-12T04:17:00.000-07:00

There was a suggestion to put aside a day as "parents' day" instead of one for mother's day and one for father's day.

The main reason was the work involved... the lunch after service was contributed/prepared by members of house groups. And guess who are the ones who did the preparation?

I vetoed the suggestion as I think that a separate day should be set aside for mothers and fathers. Both have their separate roles in the family. Therefore, a separate and relevant message for each should be preached on that day. Each should be separately honoured.

What do you think?

ruckus and homework

2008-05-08T00:31:00.000-07:00

Son: Why do they ( his classmates) have to create a ruckus?

Apparently, his class teachers assigned extra homework to the students to keep them

quiet.

two faces

2008-05-08T00:28:00.000-07:00

Son: Why are some people 2-faced?

Apparently, what happened was that some of his class students behaved so well when in

in the teacher's presence but reversed their behaviour when the teachers were not around.

Ever met any 2-faced people?

flashlight

2008-05-03T14:38:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the first time I used my handphone as a flashlight. Previously, there was no opportunity and need to do so.

Went to the MPH warehouse sale a second time. Or you could count it a third time as I tried looking for a parking place the day before and had to drive off when I didn't succeed. So the two times I succeeded was when I was dropped off.

Everyone was fully engrossed in browsing and choosing their books when the lights went off. It was a power failure . Many chose to walk out of the sale ( it was held at a hall, with closed doors as the air con was on)

So some die-hard book fans ( including me) still browsed around the boxes and shelves of books and we had easy access this time around .... an indirect blessing of the power failure. I managed to pick up a few more good bargains.

When was the first time you had to use a flashlight?

fast forward

2008-05-02T01:52:00.000-07:00

I have sometimes wondered how my life would be like if I had not got married, and with kids.

Daughter bluntly told me that I would be back in my hometown and entrusted with the task of looking after my aged mother.

I used to think one important job of a husband is to attend to the mechanical aspects of his spouse's car. My friend used to tease me that I should just marry a mechanic.

Fast forward to the present. I alone am responsible to send my car in for servicing and repairs. ( God has a sense of humour )

Any similar thoughts to share?

vessel

2008-04-29T00:16:00.000-07:00

Relating what I read and using it to help another through a life circumstance she is experiencing now, giving a living hope to that person and knowing now why I received the same spiritual message this last week.

Can you wonder why I am feeling "high"now? To be used as a vessel to help another.....I think that is the greatest fulfillment in life.

wakes

2008-04-23T03:44:00.000-07:00

Attended 2 wakes back to back last weekend. One was a 53 year old doctor who died of a heart attack. I am still recovering from the shock. He looked healthy to me.
The other was the mother of my former classmate. She died of lung cancer. The daughter said the mother was not in pain at all since she was diagnosed. It was only during the last few days when cancer spread to the brain that pain was felt.
What I missed during the wakes was the eulogy part which was not carried out as it was not a christian wake. I always love to hear about all the good things and life stories of the deceased.

busy April

2008-04-23T03:28:00.000-07:00

Yan, thanks for the nudge and concern. Wow, it has been a month since my last post. April is indeed a very busy month at work for me.
Besides the setting of exam papers, ( one of which was only told to me quite late)
I was assigned as head of the prize-giving committee for speech day. Doing work independently where I don't have to depend on others' goodwill to help me is fine with me. But when I have to depend on the help of a certain someone who is not so helpful, ( it baffles me why people have to act this way?) is a real challenge.
At the recent meeting called by the head of school, it also baffles me as to why I was picked as the secretary to write down the minutes ( informed only after the meeting was over. Thank God I was paying careful attention during the meeting) Got that done on the same day thankfully.
God is good!

having kids

2008-03-26T03:01:00.000-07:00

My daughter's subject teacher advised the students not to just focus on studies when they are in college but to look out for potential boyfriends. I advise the upper secondary students to do that but did not realise that this teacher dished out her advice to the lower secondary as well.

Anyway, when daughter informed me, I replied that was the reason I "quickly" married because I wanted to have kids. She retorted, " You married in the nick of time" .I couldn't help but secretly smiled at her interpretation.

I am thankful I am blessed with 2 kids despite my late start.

Suggestions

2008-03-26T02:57:00.000-07:00

I baked a batch of mini muffins with a cross on it as decorations to be given away during this Easter season. For Mother's day, I will decorate with a heart. What about father's day? How shall I decorate it? I need a very simple decoration.

Someone suggested a pic of a newspaper( as fathers always bury their heads behind them)

Another suggestion is a dollar sign.

Would appreciate your suggestion. Thanks

Easter Greetings

2008-03-21T00:23:00.000-07:00

Wishing everyone a meaningful Easter.

Touched by these songs. Hope they minister to you also this season.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8welVgKX8Qo&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ud0kaWLHEd4&feature=related

gifted child

2008-02-22T03:57:00.000-08:00

Some characteristics of a gifted child are:

1. They generally walk and speak before their first year of age

2. They tend to use very rich language and adultlike vocabulary

3. They easily understand and remember the information they are given

4. They generate a great quantity of ideas and solutions to problems

5. They have a well-developed sense of humour

6. They have a great deal of curiosity, which makes them question everything

7. They usually worry about the problems of the world

8. They adore reading

9. They like complicated board games

10. They are leaders

11. They persevere ( they concentrate on a task and persist until they finish it)

12. They have a high level of self-judgement, demand much of themselves, and tend to be dissatisfied.

13. They prefer to work independentlt and do not need much help

14. They are vulnerable to the rejection of their classmates.

Son has 7 of these characteristics while daughter has 9.

What about yours?