tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52493398594948541122024-03-15T00:48:58.779+08:00Days Of Our LivesCherish the days of our lives, cos we have but one life to live.Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05651509769892366794noreply@blogger.comBlogger167125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249339859494854112.post-73356094328790408982013-06-14T17:59:00.004+08:002013-06-14T18:00:55.719+08:00Christian Counsel<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVup0EPHpKklVcuZqQDBjpxLxhzbBhSFwspO-ae4HXrSgCxJUIROOPFUjBuHpOeVbWgl9UyP5kWvlKdNFWjqXQcUA6erAMjl8KG1QG2ST2afyk_o-PpbNqdTgDT6hbqON3xSxZtfawvrpt/s1600/untitled.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVup0EPHpKklVcuZqQDBjpxLxhzbBhSFwspO-ae4HXrSgCxJUIROOPFUjBuHpOeVbWgl9UyP5kWvlKdNFWjqXQcUA6erAMjl8KG1QG2ST2afyk_o-PpbNqdTgDT6hbqON3xSxZtfawvrpt/s1600/untitled.png" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today’s devotion was about Jesus speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well, that He told her the truth about her spiritual and moral conditions and the Daily Bread quoted the verse, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend".<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I was thinking about which comments from my friends constitute the ‘truth’ which I should take seriously. What I felt is it is human nature to have a view about everything.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If someone says to you, “This is my honest opinion…”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So he’s just speaking out his mind, that’s all, and sometimes some people’s comments are just not helpful at all.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Jesus’ case, He is the TRUTH himself and he knows everything, He is qualified to tell us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Jesus spoke to the Samaritan woman, He spoke to her in private, with her welfare at heart (her salvation), and kindly/gently.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for mere men, an ‘honest’ comment/view does not tantamount to the truth that needs to be told about a situation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So when someone is seeking godly counsel, he/she should look out for a godly and trustworthy individual who walk the talk and not any Tom, Dick or Harry who loves to give his opinions.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Find someone who would be willing to listen and attend to you and who would give careful consideration to what you have to say first.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Find someone who measure his words.</span> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05651509769892366794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249339859494854112.post-31807251177499176082012-11-14T08:29:00.001+08:002012-11-14T08:29:44.229+08:00Don't Quit<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmz08bY6459-CBlWXnK30k9sh0JAQydIsXaMgC3tFpTFFcc75L-NzFL3Xymg__i0bMz477-U8rp2xGBsb0UcNfBHN7yMHzGRIIcTBDgt29tNNvUu-sYIWc0jg_G_03vICSfhVu7ctFOxz/s1600/150270_223559777777708_1532719481_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmz08bY6459-CBlWXnK30k9sh0JAQydIsXaMgC3tFpTFFcc75L-NzFL3Xymg__i0bMz477-U8rp2xGBsb0UcNfBHN7yMHzGRIIcTBDgt29tNNvUu-sYIWc0jg_G_03vICSfhVu7ctFOxz/s320/150270_223559777777708_1532719481_n.jpg" width="320" /></a><span class="userContent"></span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_50a2e4214f0d98b56493174">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mulling ... Many people try new things eagerly because they are excited but will give up rather quickly when they encounter difficulties. Nothing can be mastered unless you stay the course of time and persevere. In whatever you attempt, if it's a worthwhile pursuit, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">close your backdoor and give your best to work it out. Even if it doesn't work out, you would gain wisdom. This pattern of giving up would repeat itself endlessly because there is no perfect 'job' or whatever you're looking for out there. It is less tiring to just face up with the challenges in front of you than making excuses to quit.</span></div>
Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05651509769892366794noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249339859494854112.post-27981646435679219782012-10-14T14:51:00.003+08:002012-10-14T14:53:03.731+08:00Storing here...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have noticed how facebook would erase our earlier entries/posts nowadays and so I'm going to re-post here in my blog what I've posted on my fb today:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">(1)</span><span class="userContent"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Walk the Talk. Whatever your faith and belief, walk the talk. Angry speech and actions do not help at resolving differences at all. Someone once said about the christian faith, "You don't win anyone to Christ by winning an argument." That's right! I am tired of hearing people emphasizing on the importance of doctrines, yes I know that that is important, but more importantly is how we live.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(2)</span><span class="userContent">I just want to say something that has been on my mind for a long time but just haven't get around to writing it. When I was a sales consultant with a certain company promoting children's educational products, I often did rounds of cold-calling by knocking on the doors of total strangers. These are some of the memories etched in my mind. I remember the kind Indian lady who opened the door to me, </span></span><span style="font-family: Arial;">listened patiently to me and then explained why she couldn't receive me; she was halfway through her Hindu prayer. I remember the Malay lady who honoured her word to complete her sale transaction with me even after a month's interval and the many kind Muslim families who had treated me as a human being when I knocked on their doors. I remember that not one single one of the foreigners who had opened their doors to me; the Cambodians, the Myanmar people, the Philippinos and one Nigerian had spoken to me in a condescending way, but treated me with such kindness. Who exhibited behaviours which are less than ... ? Mainly the local Chinese, and in one terrible instance, a chinese man with a big cross hung on his door - he let his dog barked at me knowing that I couldn't talk above the din and then waved me off with a flick of his hand as if I was a fly. As I think about all these years of relating with different people, I notice that the PRs were among the best folks I've ever met, they are polite and very positive in their outlook, we Singaporeans have so much to learn from them. What am I trying to say here? Perhaps I'm trying to say that actions speak louder than words no matter how right you think you are, that no one cares about what you say if you don't care about them. I'm saying this because I'm tired of hearing certain things said to me for the umpteen time, about doctrines, about how to live, about the PRs etc. Not all christians are angelic. Not all Singaporeans are wonderful. Learn from others. Walk the talk.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">
</span><br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05651509769892366794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249339859494854112.post-6905031547385474422012-07-21T12:01:00.002+08:002012-07-21T12:07:16.158+08:00Blog Recommendation<span style="font-family:arial;">Are you hurting and looking for a helping hand? Or wise counsel that will lift up your spirits? If you're a woman, or even if you're not, check up this post, "<a href="http://www.lisashawshares.com/2012/07/help-im-in-trouble-i-dont-know-how-much.html">Help! I'm in trouble</a> ..." by Lisa, Bible Teacher, Speaker and Author. Trust me, it's worth a read, and more ... :)</span>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05651509769892366794noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249339859494854112.post-50345241818993633522012-07-21T09:20:00.005+08:002012-07-21T09:45:43.829+08:00Mouths Talking<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEvT7XUDk0_wAxmggbtlkWsLE-hmw3m4gH_AjsNgg72rZ-k6Qw2IBOO4GYtLlVQ3U-kzFliveYroEX86Di-875uontvgvX_NFgHorEDN2CpRn9XJsgpA7SHf7P4E-hXK4cZh77t6PrpoO/s1600/imagesCAD1N5NB.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 276px; height: 183px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5767426589212087618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpEvT7XUDk0_wAxmggbtlkWsLE-hmw3m4gH_AjsNgg72rZ-k6Qw2IBOO4GYtLlVQ3U-kzFliveYroEX86Di-875uontvgvX_NFgHorEDN2CpRn9XJsgpA7SHf7P4E-hXK4cZh77t6PrpoO/s400/imagesCAD1N5NB.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Either way you loose, so to speak. Just a quick sharing here. You will see what I mean BUT I'm not defeated.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Still musing over yesterday's uncalled for comment from my colleague that I'm "unfit" for the job, this thought came into my mind this morning, "Either way, you loose". That is no matter how you're performing in your job, you will not be able to shut the mouths of people who just like to pass comment on you.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">I've been working hard at my job and honestly, I've always been over-delivering in all my previous places of employment, in terms of the quality and quantity of work. All my supervisors will attest to this fact. I've my fair share of compliments about my job attitude and performance. So when some colleagues who are working in the same field but in different centers enquire about the things I've been doing in my center, I share with them, thinking that we're mutually exchanging useful info that will enhance each other's work, and for mutual support and edification, especially when such sharing is among Christians. But what I get back from some of them is this, "You're working too hard, doing too much, you've spoilt the market for us!" They feel intimidated that I've over-shadowed them. BUT that isn't my intention, I just simply apply myself fully to my job, I want to do well, to answer to myself, using my God-given abilities to do a job well that would well testify to the faith I hold. I've never aim to show anyone down, I only worry that I'm not doing well enough.</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">So there, when I do well, they talk, when I fall and grumble about the difficulties in my job, they talk, either way, I can't win... so to speak. </span><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;">After a cup of coffee, suddenly I wise up this morning, so be it. It's my choice! I will continue to give my best to my job, and complain less (can't say for sure that I can internalise all nonsense without a sound).</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">So that's it. Life continues. :) Thanks for listening.</span></p>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05651509769892366794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249339859494854112.post-81566004122021267842012-07-20T22:24:00.006+08:002012-07-21T09:43:53.374+08:00Give Me A Break<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7yC7OH62pX6OdTJdJJKjCJZLN8xzWk_s5HncnyrLA4MQDRmYtOkoTAg5jO-lKRrkeaGj674LyfMFygVlwY1B67Xu2v8DSjpy347dbmjqfUeuFehtye124_AgeunDz03ktYOyqWD3JVwWv/s1600/untitled.png"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 259px; height: 194px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5767257555516461778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7yC7OH62pX6OdTJdJJKjCJZLN8xzWk_s5HncnyrLA4MQDRmYtOkoTAg5jO-lKRrkeaGj674LyfMFygVlwY1B67Xu2v8DSjpy347dbmjqfUeuFehtye124_AgeunDz03ktYOyqWD3JVwWv/s400/untitled.png" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">I want to shout, "G</span><span style="font-family:arial;">ive me</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">a break!" It was a tough week that had passed. My employer almost lengthen my work hours but I stood up to her. She wasn't mean to me, it was just that she had forgotten how much extra work and time I'd put into the job for her. And then the area she had alotted to me... how do you give 'focused language assistance' to a group of attention-deficit children in a public area?</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Let me see how it goes, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me besides still waters, He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake ... " Ah, how I badly need this, lying down in green pastures, without a care in the world, walking besides still waters, ah the serenity, having my soul, my whole being from top to toe restored, being able to sleep like a log, nope, a pig rather (cos a pig breathes, a log doesn't), EVERY night. Yes, even walking in paths of righteousness, yes for His name's sake means something to me. I've tried to walk right, I tried.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I'd made bad mistakes at earlier work places and promised myself to learn from them. I would not repeat them and I really worked hard at NOT repeating them. But there are some innate tendencies within me that I would eventually respond in a certain way to certain triggers. Like when the boss tried to extend my already 'extended' work hours. I almost blasted out, but under control and I walked away quickly lest it would turn really ugly. She relented and realized my difficulties. Two awkward days' passed by and we seemed to be getting along well. She even acceded to my request to use another place to do my work when the noise level gets too high.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Seemed like everything was back to normal, but sometimes troubles just come looking for you. I trusted someone at my work place and thought I've found a new friend. I related my earlier unhappiness to her and regretted it. I should have heeded what God's Word says about grumbling. This might have given her the impression that I couldn't take the work pressure. So what happened today... I was just sharing with her that it was tough managing the behaviours of some kids. To my utter surprise, she said the most nasty thing to me! She said, "If you can't take this (children's misbehaviours), you're not fit to do this (my job)." 'NOT FIT'? These were strong words! She realized her slip of the tongue and tried to turn the situation around by saying something, but my mind just... I was just fuming beneath my breath. I told her that I was merely sharing the problems I face at work, and that if I can't take this, I would have quit. I could see her bewilderment, knowing she'd offended me.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Later part of the day I recited to myself as I returned to teach my third class. As I walked in, I recalled, "Be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger..." "He who overlooks an offence seeks love." Argh. I completed my lesson, spoke briefly with her as is my usual custom and left. </span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">My spouse complimented me for learning how to re-establish a work relationship. But the truth is I'm still dealing with the hurt! Well, I think she didn't mean what she said, she could have meant it as a counsel, but it didn't come out right! Goodness, am I being overly sensitive or do I have a reason to be thus? My decision? Yes, I decide to overlook the offence, it was a slip of the tongue, I blunder many times thus too... Sigh, now where is that green patch of grass? I need to lie down...</span>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05651509769892366794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249339859494854112.post-81873988344447658222012-07-01T21:11:00.004+08:002012-07-01T21:46:15.912+08:00It's Not That I've Forgotten<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AKOPjAzl9bovEGGVuWakXjM0Vkc5hn5tHStHiSB_NK4m4bKyCfVLKfd1fKTmh5FuaZCKbprmvZW8hoqhP1HmjP7jhsr0695C4k2ukihfwOLuKysEvPfA9FrVSLdiXmCRpUxySE5l0ODb/s1600/thumbnailCAX52VGQ.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 200px; height: 300px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5760188601548959138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1AKOPjAzl9bovEGGVuWakXjM0Vkc5hn5tHStHiSB_NK4m4bKyCfVLKfd1fKTmh5FuaZCKbprmvZW8hoqhP1HmjP7jhsr0695C4k2ukihfwOLuKysEvPfA9FrVSLdiXmCRpUxySE5l0ODb/s400/thumbnailCAX52VGQ.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">It's not that I've forgotten my promise to take care of you. </span><span style="font-family:arial;">It's just that we are not possible cos we are so different. </span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">In that year I'd tried loving you in Jesus' name, but when I realized how much hurt it had caused us, </span><span style="font-family:Arial;">I'm sorry that I've just got to let you go and I did.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I'd let you go so many months back, keeping my distance from you, but you stuck on. You sensed something amiss and knew what was happening, yet you tenaciously clinged on, hoping I would change my mind. I couldn't. How I dreaded to see you, hear you, that even an sms from you would sent me into sleepless nights. I gave you time to adjust and to accept this fact, that the damage in our relationship is irreversible and I just couldn't bring myself near you again.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I'm sorry, I really have not forgotten my promise to take care of you, but I just can't do it anymore. Perhaps one day Jesus will heal the wounds in you and I, but for now, I just wish you the best in your future as you return to your homeland.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">As I continue my daily chores, there is a faint lingering ache somewhere inside which I want to ignore. I know things will be better with time, for you and for me. I'm sorry I couldn't keep my promise, but it wouldn't do us any good even if I'd force myself to continue with you, there'll be more hurts and pains. But I remain your friend, and your sister-in-Christ, and I truly wish that you will live happily, grow and mature in the Lord. May the Lord bless you my young friend, do not give up on your faith in Christ, I've failed you, but God did not.</span>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05651509769892366794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249339859494854112.post-11107715244092214192012-06-15T18:22:00.006+08:002012-06-15T22:18:54.162+08:00Inadequacy<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8qft2dZhKrVszGNoXw7zrUpifDb2ETHrK6jsR44GCdWQP-cfKxj83YGl6m0n04TGcQi2RcAyYAuLZz9s5ZRyG6HCvrC0l9PbOrp9TXXehmoXqM_SJovNXRMQoSWznoVS16nbLJH9rGF_/s1600/imagesCATWDZ23.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 258px; height: 195px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5754249342396716450" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx8qft2dZhKrVszGNoXw7zrUpifDb2ETHrK6jsR44GCdWQP-cfKxj83YGl6m0n04TGcQi2RcAyYAuLZz9s5ZRyG6HCvrC0l9PbOrp9TXXehmoXqM_SJovNXRMQoSWznoVS16nbLJH9rGF_/s400/imagesCATWDZ23.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Today is my second last training session in a course which will qualify me for my present job as a Resource Teacher in a pre-school. As I sat there listening to the Trainer telling us how to do our job better, I felt insecure, anxious and inadequate. </span><p><span style="font-family:arial;">Some people think that I've been doing a good job. But I've been under-performing this year due to personal matters and ill health (nothing serious but constant infections). What I've heard throughout the training sessions just made me feel like I have not been doing my job right! I feel tired just thinking about the changes I've to make when the school term re-opens, not to say doing them. Although some colleagues may share my sentiments, they are certainly looking confident and able, which further intimidates me!</span></p><p><span style="font-family:Arial;">Whenever I'm caught in self-doubt, I'm tempted to just quit and walk away, but I don't think this is right. I've come such a long way in this path. Why look for something new and start all over again? A couple of my friends have been in this kind of dilemma for years, looking for the right job, finding it hard, quitting and looking for the 'right' job over and over again. It never ends.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">I am very tired, not being able to fully recover from my infection. I have so much to learn and remember, assessment papers to deliver, reports and portfolios to put up and changes to implement. All these stuff literally take the joy out of my job and sometimes make me feel like a fake, that whatever I'm doing for the children are for purpose of putting up a show so that I'll get to keep my job. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">But I know that God gave me this job, He answered my prayer and gave me THIS job. I am talking to myself now: I must try, must not give up. I can't meet all their requirements but I will try, step by step, day by day and if they keep me, year by year.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">I need to cool down and realistically assess how much changes I can cope with and prayerfully do it with God's grace. Only may my health prevails. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">God's power is at work in all our circumstances and when we're weak, His strength will manifest in us.</span></p><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><span style="font-family:arial;"></span>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05651509769892366794noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249339859494854112.post-88962117930535230092012-05-19T14:37:00.004+08:002012-05-19T14:52:26.864+08:00Remembering Her<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hrEmTsZ4XARBiWe2URau1v_5AxIuL_NGd1LFod66oar5XQzLQiNQQym4byl3ApzwQzrSIzrNKwhZs8_Cuj_Xc2Y7uXt7xlvpifAk0gTBBTMMJHFewoZVg7bMwOHf-931qdON8ZcNXqQ5/s1600/untitled.png"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 275px; height: 183px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5744130047911436850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1hrEmTsZ4XARBiWe2URau1v_5AxIuL_NGd1LFod66oar5XQzLQiNQQym4byl3ApzwQzrSIzrNKwhZs8_Cuj_Xc2Y7uXt7xlvpifAk0gTBBTMMJHFewoZVg7bMwOHf-931qdON8ZcNXqQ5/s400/untitled.png" /></a><div><span style="font-family:arial;">The elder daughter woke up in the night shouting, “Mother! Mother!” </span></div><span style="font-family:arial;"><div><br />The younger daughter walked straight into her mother’s room as if she was still alive and called out, “Mother!” She lingered inside and called again, “Mother!” as her relatives waited outside worrying if she had gone nuts.</div><div><br />Yes, my two sister-in-laws are still grieving over the lost of their beloved mother, my mother-in-law who had passed away a fortnight ago. </div><div><br />Though not as affected, I too try to recapture some memories of her. How she'd touched my foot after I’d given birth to her first grandson. How she’d listened to my troubles and counseled me after my mom’s stroke and how she’d watched over me when I’d food poisoning (and that was immediately after she'd buried her husband).</div><div><br />I remember her as a loving mother. She was like forever fussing over her children and their families. Sometimes in expressing, repeating and reiterating her concerns for them, her words and actions came across as interference and weren’t appreciated, but yet, greatly missed when she’s gone. </div><div><br />I remember her forbearance, how she took the offences of her children in her strides and never ceased to love them and be of service to them.</div><div><br />One question came to mind as I ponder over her life and deeds. Were all her aspirations for her children met and fulfilled? Like a seed fallen into the ground and died, and then it’ll germinate and grow to bear fruits, I feel that though she couldn’t see her hopes materializing in her lifetime, some of what she’d hoped for may take place after her death. But then... some of what she’d hoped for may never happen... Still all things should work together for good as God is in control.</div><div><br />Another thought came to my mind too. She had led an exemplary life in terms of her deeds, love, kindness and forbearance towards her family and some others etc. Yet she'd seldom received the kind of attention she deserved in her life's time. And in her last days, she didn't get the kind of attention that she herself had showered upon her ailing spouse before his death. I felt that she'd been short-changed in life, even if this had been what she would have accepted 'cos she had always downplay her own welfare and asked us not to fuss over her if she should go...</div><div><br />I try to see her death in perspective but sometimes I can’t help but feel sad about life itself. Life seems so futile. You labored all your life over your loved ones. How much do they perceive of your work? They’ll miss you when you’re gone, for a while and you’ll be forgotten. The only comforting thought in the midst of all these is the fact that Jesus has saved us and death is a release from life’s labors.</div><div><br />So these are my just random thoughts... at least we have God.</div></span><div></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05651509769892366794noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249339859494854112.post-80304943935572260142012-05-09T20:48:00.002+08:002012-05-09T21:00:33.836+08:00Till We Meet Again<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYwwJc3Hovvk94GOwTb9zpTT03uofaW0qAkIyDQNTftvRwE-egZF06_4rDDHD7y43pdzK9XiFNULekAeQU4iGjuD2y3MS-OW0mjazaXWpx9BHYneURj72HWHvaIlsIZ1mN6DMXORkHi6c/s1600/thumbnailCAZNO34T.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 207px; height: 300px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5740517514549356306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRYwwJc3Hovvk94GOwTb9zpTT03uofaW0qAkIyDQNTftvRwE-egZF06_4rDDHD7y43pdzK9XiFNULekAeQU4iGjuD2y3MS-OW0mjazaXWpx9BHYneURj72HWHvaIlsIZ1mN6DMXORkHi6c/s400/thumbnailCAZNO34T.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Some days' back I'd posted a note that my mom-in-law was ailing. </span><span style="font-family:arial;">Just like to add here that she has gone home to the Lord. Just want to say here that I've lost a friend, a confidante, a life's guide, someone whom I'd looked up to and tried to emulate. She's an ordinary housewife, but her acts of kindness and tolerance had over the years touched many many lives including mine. I respect her and... I miss her, her children will find it hard to fill the void in their hearts. Yes, but despite this I know she is now safe and secure in God's arms, she's finally free from her sickness and pain, and I truly believe, we'll see her again in heaven. It is indeed a happy thought that when my turn comes, she'll be there to greet me along with Jesus. And thank God for the big reunion when it comes. :)</span>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05651509769892366794noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249339859494854112.post-61433415400043374082012-04-28T11:40:00.006+08:002012-04-28T11:58:34.385+08:00Forsake Us Not<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZkcZb1gKEvgiV2Sdtw17GBJd2OQ97XPhmhM-YwS4Ce1ZP61V549I65-Krr9PiHjIPPkDUKAjtt4equpba4Y5ajIfhRQGnpp-JXxp1LFkHRg0nP2uOCm8anwV111-O04bkLAA9fgqaaO8/s1600/thumbnailCAWYP2ZL.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 300px; height: 259px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5736293236830487730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZkcZb1gKEvgiV2Sdtw17GBJd2OQ97XPhmhM-YwS4Ce1ZP61V549I65-Krr9PiHjIPPkDUKAjtt4equpba4Y5ajIfhRQGnpp-JXxp1LFkHRg0nP2uOCm8anwV111-O04bkLAA9fgqaaO8/s400/thumbnailCAWYP2ZL.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">I have no idea what the lyrics in one of our church's communion songs mean until I see what's happening to my mother-in-law, whom in her old age and sickness, has no recollection of who we, her kinsmen are. One part of the lyrics goes something like this, "And when these failing lips grow dumb, and mind and memory flee ... my Lord, remember me." Despite her illness, I still see God's grace in her life. </span><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><p>Some days' back I whispered in her ears, 'Mother-in-law, how are you? I'm ST." She had no response. I continued, "Jesus is with you, every moment..." She nodded in acknowledgement. I stroke her shoulder a little and momentarily she seemed to recognise who I was, but that split-second of recognition subsided just as quickly as it arose and she slipped back into her dazed state. </p></span><p></p></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><p>A few days' before this she was asking her daughter who isn't a Christian what heaven is like and she couldn't answer. So I whispered to her, "You will see Jesus in heaven, father-in-law will be there for you, that is a place with no sickness, pain nor tears..." She didn't respond, her memory has certainly fled. But this I'm sure, God will remember her. </p></span><p></p></div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:arial;"><p>We are doing all we can to make her last days as comfortable as possible.</p></span><p></p></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </div><div>RSV Psalms 71: </div><div>Verse 6: "Upon thee I have leaned from my birth; thou art he who took me from my mother's womb. My praise is continually of thee." </div><div>Verse 9: "Do no cast me off in the time of old age; forsake me not when my strength is spent." Verse 17: "O God, from my youth thou hast taught me, and I still proclaim thy wondrous deeds. Verse 18: "So even to old age and grey hairs, O God, do not forsake me, till I proclaim thy might to all the generations to come."</div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05651509769892366794noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249339859494854112.post-21048247133669956222012-04-08T20:40:00.005+08:002012-04-08T21:20:26.990+08:00Forgetting...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSH9hp8VOt0aSWyrzT4ucsrz9osFj-_i6eRRRQ2iuRBpfkTPrQQawF8tjSp7rtrqj7Jq6HGaYSuaKJVCBeUAbY64MGvvgK21ySI75R9mEYsR-qAAOnHoy54qtgYruNiWcO9vlqmpgcoQk6/s1600/thumbnailCA94ZLGO.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 300px; height: 201px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729009048224476466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSH9hp8VOt0aSWyrzT4ucsrz9osFj-_i6eRRRQ2iuRBpfkTPrQQawF8tjSp7rtrqj7Jq6HGaYSuaKJVCBeUAbY64MGvvgK21ySI75R9mEYsR-qAAOnHoy54qtgYruNiWcO9vlqmpgcoQk6/s400/thumbnailCA94ZLGO.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">I had an unhappy incident in Church today, and angry as I was, I knew immediately the importance of putting it behind me as quickly as possible. But it wasn't possible, I couldn't help but kept mulling over it again and again, as if trying to justify to myself that I wasn't at fault in the first place. In all honesty, I still feel that I wasn't at fault...</span><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;">Anyway, this incident reminded me of the importance of forgetting things.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">We have always lauded the merits of remembering things but God has actually given us the blessing of forgetting things. There was a man who had a gigantic memory and he could recall even the most insignificance of things. He worked in a circus showing off his skills in identifying what everyone in the audience did just before entering into the tent. His exceptional gift amazed everybody. However no one knew his agony; how sleep eluded him because he just couldn't switch off his mind.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">I can feel his pain to some extent because I have a good memory of past events; things said and done and even the facial expressions. Now, because of what had happened these past few years, I wish I can thoroughly forget about the past.</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">A few nights' back, a character from a tv drama put it aptly, "I am a happier person now that I'm suffering from Alzheimer's because no matter how bad the news about me or my family and how much my company's stocks have fallen, I forget my unhappiness quickly. I am not at all troubled now."</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">There is some truth there, some wisdom too. Forgive and forget. It is easier to forgive, but to forget? How often a scene or a word will replay itself in your most unguarded moments or even in your dreams? How often a similar place or familiar scent brings back memories and regrets?</span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">I am going to pray for the ability to forget so that I can live a happier life. Live and let live, let go and I think many of you need this too. </span></p><p><span style="font-family:arial;">May the Lord be gracious to all of you out there, those who are hurting, that you may forget more bad things and remember more of the goodness of our Lord.</span></p>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05651509769892366794noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249339859494854112.post-63471102029898881392012-03-04T14:07:00.002+08:002012-03-04T14:10:50.874+08:00A Little Girl<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXo31xtCS6CuYvn5KXcsFTiA-VGhXgVUBty7jnFGpFEiZ8JaNBKXyCWh24wrwdg6kdjOpmmW56tyA7WH8kAdOWjnuJl4dwdrcDhd-xylwM7YwGzWWypMb25-CyjB4Aa0KbqgbCiHPvDxU/s1600/thumbnailCA22SRSG.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 129px; height: 198px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5715919854492547154" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXo31xtCS6CuYvn5KXcsFTiA-VGhXgVUBty7jnFGpFEiZ8JaNBKXyCWh24wrwdg6kdjOpmmW56tyA7WH8kAdOWjnuJl4dwdrcDhd-xylwM7YwGzWWypMb25-CyjB4Aa0KbqgbCiHPvDxU/s400/thumbnailCA22SRSG.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">A 4 year old girl at the kindergarten where I work said to me, "My brother is in K2." Since I am teaching some K2 kids, I asked, "Oh? What's his name?" She replied, "My mommy calls him Darling and calls me Sweetie." :)</span>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05651509769892366794noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249339859494854112.post-81743647789839468822012-02-14T16:48:00.005+08:002012-02-14T16:51:23.802+08:00Adopted<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcAnNg3j0L6i26YaqllbutYxNZONDeobTZC5XK_gCMYwBEyiKVKMQCzfdSJG7RumW4wYM3PbDHJaomknJFcN1f0cxziN0bp_A3T9FGSNO9LBdiM6OwPIUk2hHH5PaiC06M9J-avrixDlX/s1600/catdog.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 320px; height: 264px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708910516060059394" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcAnNg3j0L6i26YaqllbutYxNZONDeobTZC5XK_gCMYwBEyiKVKMQCzfdSJG7RumW4wYM3PbDHJaomknJFcN1f0cxziN0bp_A3T9FGSNO9LBdiM6OwPIUk2hHH5PaiC06M9J-avrixDlX/s400/catdog.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">This is sooo funny!</span><br /><p><span style="font-family:arial;">(And it tugs at my heart's string...)</span></p><span style="font-family:arial;">Hahaha...aww...</span></p><span style="font-family:arial;"><br /><br /></span>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05651509769892366794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249339859494854112.post-34098963702121897592012-01-24T20:12:00.007+08:002012-01-24T20:54:06.900+08:00What Is True Forgiveness?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBkNqspx2DnMgWzkTXrudbO0hD2l24b4cHdDyvAxhd9kyAn0azTkF4DKdPyI-xJ-_1QLBE-2wFI7A3EZVTiwm4upjfuBVc8mRRVwSOUEbOBf9hFo7kOvvikn8TuvRHqc5OpZeIrRFYKwn/s1600/HP071-102x150.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 102px; height: 150px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5701170504772567570" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBkNqspx2DnMgWzkTXrudbO0hD2l24b4cHdDyvAxhd9kyAn0azTkF4DKdPyI-xJ-_1QLBE-2wFI7A3EZVTiwm4upjfuBVc8mRRVwSOUEbOBf9hFo7kOvvikn8TuvRHqc5OpZeIrRFYKwn/s400/HP071-102x150.jpg" /></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family:arial;">What is true forgiveness? This is the tiltle of a booklet from The Discovery Series: "Forgiveness is one of the most misunderstood subjects in the Bible. In this excerpt of his book Forgiveness, author Gary Inrig shares insights from Scripture to help those who are wrestling with the inability or unwillingness to forgive or to admit the need to be forgiven. Discover how you can develop a heart of true forgiveness when you rely on God’s power rather than your emotions in dealing with situations of offense".</span><br /></span><p><a href="http://web001.rbc.org/pdf/discovery-series/what-is-true-forgiveness.pdf"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><em><strong><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family:arial;">You can</span> </span></strong></em></span></a><span style="font-family:arial;"><a href="http://web001.rbc.org/pdf/discovery-series/what-is-true-forgiveness.pdf"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><em><strong>read its PDF format here</strong></em></span></a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">.</span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span style="font-family:arial;">I was</span> <span style="font-family:arial;">reading this book 3 days' back and learnt a new thing or two about forgiveness. Among the interesting lessons taught are these:</span></span></p><ul><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial;" >Just because you're hurt doesn't mean that the other party needs to repent because repentance deals with sins and the other party may not have sinned against you. You can be hurt for various reasons, you could be jealous or annoyed etc. but what the other person has done does not tantamount to a sin. In this case, you'll just have to deal with it yourself, not so much as forgiving the other party but forbearing the other party.</span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial;" >Jesus was quoted in Luke 17, "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times in a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him." So after ascertaining that indeed the other party has sinned against you, the first biblical thing to do is to 'rebuke' him, meaning confront him with his offense, and if he repents, then forgive him.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">When I read the 'IF he repents', you know, the <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><strong>IF</strong></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, I was like, yay, so there's a loop-hole, you mean I can choose not to forgive? No, that wasn't what the book teaches, it emphasized that God would want us to forgive no matter what. It also cautions about the type of attitude we should adopt when we 'confront' the other party about his offence. I'm glad it also recognises the fact that usually people won't admit their mistakes and draws references from the Old Testament Proverbs about the consequences of rebuking a wise man and a fool.</span></span></span></li><li><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial;" >A very interesting thought here is that God's Word says that if someone sins against you seven times and comes back to you to repent, you're supposed to forgive him again and again. The interesting part is about the possiblility for someone to sin against you and repenting again and again, I mean really recognising his mistake again and again and yet sinning again and again. The author points out that God knows our nature and deal with us in the same way too, forgiving us again and again...</span></li></ul><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Arial;" >Anyway, I've a better understanding on this topic now and wish to share my blessing with you, come on read it up! Click on the link above! :)</span></p>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05651509769892366794noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249339859494854112.post-2579012083626414482012-01-16T22:27:00.002+08:002012-01-16T22:31:00.825+08:00Don't Give Up On Your Child<span style="font-family:arial;">This is a must watch for parents with autistic children.<br /></span><iframe height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vNZVV4Ciccg" frameborder="0" width="420" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05651509769892366794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249339859494854112.post-72705513520902173292011-12-19T11:01:00.004+08:002011-12-19T11:56:51.724+08:00Can-Do Attitude<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZFYbYmIROISLVJVmq6NVNsNLiL8e57YGPGxIFI4pWpYSybYl_zTCAuHB46DmxC65XoKNr-lKVK4iyHy2bwzXQ_I1u3IpLG7YJPWRaVlD-LcxTduTIO96BTeX3Uavh5F4nL8gw7bjciJU/s1600/Photo0200.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 300px; height: 400px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5687669644667055618" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZFYbYmIROISLVJVmq6NVNsNLiL8e57YGPGxIFI4pWpYSybYl_zTCAuHB46DmxC65XoKNr-lKVK4iyHy2bwzXQ_I1u3IpLG7YJPWRaVlD-LcxTduTIO96BTeX3Uavh5F4nL8gw7bjciJU/s400/Photo0200.jpg" /></a><font face="arial">While touring a street in Mong Kok, Hong Kong, we came across this young man with no hands, eking out a living making stalks of 'flowers' from coloured dough. (Apology for the blurred-photo taken from my mobile.)</font></div><div><font face="Arial"></font> </div><div><font face="Arial"><p>We went to Mong Kok expecting to see all sorts of merchandise, but was pleasantly surprised to find street troupes performing songs, dance and kung fu. What caught my attention were three individuals; this young man selling dough flowers, a man with terrible scarred facial features and a very old woman begging for alms.</font></div><div><font face="Arial"></font> </div><div><font face="Arial"><p>We stopped by all three of them...</font></div><div><font face="Arial"></font> </div><div><font face="Arial"><p>We the fortunate ones toured the different places in a different world (Hong Kong and Macau), enjoyed its sceneries and savoured its delicacies. Busy town folks as we are, I often paused to plan the various chores I've had to do once I return home. Ever the anxious woman that I am, I sometimes worry over self-imposed dead lines and 'urgent' tasks left at home. The sight of these three individuals halt my worries.</font></div><div><font face="Arial"></font> </div><div><font face="Arial"><p>Who would have more woes than them? Without hands, without a face, without financial support, disregarding one's dignity and literally begging for help in the cold wintry weather? Many people were too busy to stop and look, perhaps it's a common sight for the locals. Yet their presence is a stark contrast to whatever we're planning and doing. Despite their circumstances, they have a choice, to survive or give up and die, of course they choose the former.</font></div><div><font face="Arial"></font> </div><div><font face="Arial"><p>The young man wasn't begging, and a few were moved to give to him for his effort. But I saw no one giving to the disfigured man, he was really disgusted to look at and seemed to come straight out of a sci-fi movie, and no one gave to the old lady... We gave and my son consoled the disfigured man who identified himself as a Christian. I wonder whether he was a Christian before or after his accident? Anyway, as long as he is a Christian, I believe that God will watch over him one way or another and I wish sincerely that God will help him further...</font></div><div> </div><div><font face="Arial"><p>Seeing other's misfortunes, I checked myself again, don't worry about life and its chores. How hard can our life be compared to them? Have a can-do attitude in life, no matter how hard or pressing circumstances are, there are still things we can do to help ourselves and things will work out one way or another. For us the children of God we have the added blessing of God's faithfulness.</font></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05651509769892366794noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249339859494854112.post-15459990080366664582011-10-28T22:36:00.003+08:002011-10-28T22:52:49.337+08:00Make Me A Child Again<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiriQLlIWBT4QYxaQ9Jmw_TP7jKKgXfbizFkUp4mtkq-3qcvfBrBn9Rf0Ie-88Vib6Pz1CVHJsekfLNFmA4aj91i41PEuNBWGRdJumnB1sVuD71352MX8wOPFzyuSgv8UAnXBy_t4OrmBx_/s1600/untitled.png"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 204px; height: 247px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668552950758950258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiriQLlIWBT4QYxaQ9Jmw_TP7jKKgXfbizFkUp4mtkq-3qcvfBrBn9Rf0Ie-88Vib6Pz1CVHJsekfLNFmA4aj91i41PEuNBWGRdJumnB1sVuD71352MX8wOPFzyuSgv8UAnXBy_t4OrmBx_/s400/untitled.png" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Dear Heavenly Father, I remember when I first met you as Jesus, it was your smile and unconditional love which drew me to you. I desired the peace and security found only in You.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">As I grew I went back and forth in my faith, but You had proven Yourself Faithful. You'd met all my needs and was there whenever I needed you.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I'd learnt from You, through my obedience and disobedience, through the things I'd done right and things I'd messed up. But You have been forever merciful.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Your compassion never fail.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">I am very sorry about my confusion now, happening deep inside my soul. The various doctrines I've encountered, the different stance each Church adopts, the way some believers walk their talk, and worst of all, my own failings, the inability to love without fear for perfect love casts out fear, but I fear and withdrew my love. I would rather live a peaceful life now than to risk being hurt again. I am not at all like You, it seems, though I know I'm made in Your image, though I know that the seeds of the fruit of the Spirit have been planted in me long ago...</span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Arial;">Father, how I long to return to the time when I first knew You, when life was less complicated, when I simply believed... A childlike faith, how precious that is! Make me a child again Lord, restore me to Your peace and security.</span><br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05651509769892366794noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249339859494854112.post-65912303969302902012011-09-29T22:43:00.000+08:002011-09-29T22:44:16.950+08:00Thankfulness<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-HgnV4fL1BXV8wlBQMEwzSpKJGc9xpm87RSflAR9z0vwjjwjT2C5qZ09T2nIfrYNgMq0GLz0K1cfAklKhpxoNI96oX6V9M5CDc2Oy6Fq-VXgOke3ceqNpJSDUcGkc6RyZd-yfzkX0tr3/s1600/untitled.png"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 159px; height: 108px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657790498888000834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ-HgnV4fL1BXV8wlBQMEwzSpKJGc9xpm87RSflAR9z0vwjjwjT2C5qZ09T2nIfrYNgMq0GLz0K1cfAklKhpxoNI96oX6V9M5CDc2Oy6Fq-VXgOke3ceqNpJSDUcGkc6RyZd-yfzkX0tr3/s400/untitled.png" /></a><div><font face="arial">I'm thankful that I can wake up in the morning and be able to get out of bed, thankful that I can still see ('cos I've got glaucoma), thankful that I can still move ('cos my mother-in-law can't)...</font></div><div><font face="arial"></font> </div><p><div><font face="arial">I'm thankful for my job, it's just across the road, near and convenient, it's simple yet challenging in its own right, stimulating and creative, and it pays a decent income (good enough for me).</font></div><div><font face="arial"></font> </div><p><div><font face="arial">I'm thankful for my spouse, he's great, ever so loving and kind to me and our kids.</font></div><div><font face="arial"></font> </div><p><div><font face="arial">I'm thankful for my kids, both fully grown (by the grace and mercy of God) in body, mind and spirit. They are my ever source of contention and joy.</font></div><div><font face="arial"></font> </div><p><div><font face="arial">I'm thankful for my foster mom, for her salvation and her help in my life.</font></div><div><font face="arial"></font> </div><p><div><font face="arial">I'm thankful for my mother-in-law for being the ever understanding elder, even now, despite her illness.</font></div><div><font face="arial"></font> </div><p><div><font face="arial">I'm thankful for each new day, all the time left in the days of my live, may I cherish them all and not take a single day for granted...</font></div><font face="arial"></font></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05651509769892366794noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249339859494854112.post-49187327107900965502011-09-07T23:09:00.002+08:002011-09-07T23:10:20.798+08:00How Long Have You REALLY Lived?<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvglUpiV2M96kHLAwLyYhHV6Ke04lP7cgop4qa8rmAziPre3F5PDuIz5Akzx-s_vH6dpN_kZco21Z1tQ1aIttDwLYjZru1qwuWuvlDuOpNIS8Auj0s_-OwVXZg6vMm0Y2sQ5Jg1K6oeQBF/s1600/imagesCAU9G2JH.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 175px; height: 148px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5649632024454086002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvglUpiV2M96kHLAwLyYhHV6Ke04lP7cgop4qa8rmAziPre3F5PDuIz5Akzx-s_vH6dpN_kZco21Z1tQ1aIttDwLYjZru1qwuWuvlDuOpNIS8Auj0s_-OwVXZg6vMm0Y2sQ5Jg1K6oeQBF/s400/imagesCAU9G2JH.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family:arial;">Surveys have been done on this, adding up the amount of time an average guy spends in his lifetime studying, working, watching TV, waiting in queue, waiting at the traffic light, eating, sleeping etc. and finding out actually how much time he's really awake and living meaningfully.<p></p></span><p></p></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">Recently I find myself mulling over the same thing over and over again, so much so that I'm plagued by those thoughts even in my dreams. It's about things that had happened in the past.<p> </p></span><p></p></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">Then it dawns on me how much time I've spent (wasted) living in the past instead of cherishing the present. Eleanor Roosevelt said, "Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That's why it is called the present." <p></p></span><p></p></div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-family:Arial;">Yes, like the determined orang utan in the picture, I shall live in the present from now on! </span></div><br />Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05651509769892366794noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249339859494854112.post-75168265374792819402011-08-05T19:07:00.002+08:002012-01-03T22:35:09.464+08:00A Teacher<iframe height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/4nMLbXcmSyI" frameborder="0" width="425" allowfullscreen=""></iframe>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05651509769892366794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249339859494854112.post-72947978036107774462011-06-23T21:16:00.002+08:002011-06-23T21:19:31.852+08:00A Parenting Incident<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4Dw5Ltjscrqd57Mozs5qHcuSYUv8QiVysAQq7ipKm9EBqu3VKq_3etvyOOQ15I1wbatrhJfqndJMBLwmEKy3caBwL2bgaH6yFTI0dtkNLZOfrrqtq5QkSuQcU0MPuwCzdOyOUhPVHP-d/s1600/TY+Mom.png"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 183px; height: 220px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621403879431478514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4Dw5Ltjscrqd57Mozs5qHcuSYUv8QiVysAQq7ipKm9EBqu3VKq_3etvyOOQ15I1wbatrhJfqndJMBLwmEKy3caBwL2bgaH6yFTI0dtkNLZOfrrqtq5QkSuQcU0MPuwCzdOyOUhPVHP-d/s400/TY+Mom.png" /></a><font face="arial">About 22 years’ ago, while sitting on the couch, I stood my younger son who was about 2 years of age between my knees and decided that it was time to introduce God to him.<br /><br />“Hmm, how shall I explain an invisible God to him and His relationship with us?” I thought.<br /><br />“Yong, mommy is going to tell you about Somebody ok?” He looked at me with his trademark puzzled but very adorable look.<br /><br />“There is Someone you’ve got to know dear and His name is God. Now God loves you more than mommy does. You know, although mommy gave birth to you, God was actually the One who made you inside me. God is great and He has made you wonderfully.”<br /><br />“Look, see how good you are?” I touched his shoulders and asked him to look at himself. Then I continued, “See you can turn your head left and right!”<br /><br />I really didn’t know how to explain better and thought my example was rather lame. I also thought that he must be quite lost with what I’d said or would rather go play with his toys. But he didn’t pull away from me…<br /><br />Instead, my little boy started turning his head from left and right very slowly as if he was turning his head for the first time. Then he marveled at his ability and announced, “Mommy, look… I can turn my head!”<br /><br />This episode brings a smile to my face every time I think about it. My younger son has grown into a strong young man of 23 but I will always remember the fascinated look on his face that day. Something special happened to him that day. Something registered in his young heart. Was it self-awareness that he was fearfully and wonderfully made by his Creator? I don't know but I believe my boy had experienced his first touch from the Lord that day, and is still experiencing Him today. </font><div><font face="arial"><br />I thank God for both of my sons who have brought us so much blessings. :)</font></div></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05651509769892366794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249339859494854112.post-64518135370851059022011-06-23T15:37:00.001+08:002011-06-23T15:39:14.209+08:00The Cycle Of Life<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99a8w3jnYHfwqVAoVeswGE-YTzsYaroKgY64HpRSq5C0cgc3iIuYK6r6MPr5hE81_jVwpu7LGmzVarHVp14U7pcm-PWFVWGLgkyNU-VkHQUVSDVUjDCKb_3iudRmQDxLxdAoD4-yEDvr3/s1600/grandparents.png"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 400px; height: 337px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621316343640064530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99a8w3jnYHfwqVAoVeswGE-YTzsYaroKgY64HpRSq5C0cgc3iIuYK6r6MPr5hE81_jVwpu7LGmzVarHVp14U7pcm-PWFVWGLgkyNU-VkHQUVSDVUjDCKb_3iudRmQDxLxdAoD4-yEDvr3/s400/grandparents.png" /></a><font face="arial">I see the frustration and bewilderment on my mother-in-law's face as she lies helplessly in the hospital bed. This once active lady can barely move now, but her sharp intellect remains intact which actually add to her woes as she can think but can't do as she pleases, but relies heavily on the mercy of others around her. Although her family rallies around her, she can't help but feels useless and depressed.<br /><br />Flipping through some old photos, I'm reminded of her happier times. A time when "Ye Ye" (my father-in-law) was around.<br /><br />As I watch her suffer, I begin to worry about my turn to grow old and infirmed.<br /><br />Once my elder son said, "Mom you're looking older in your photos."<br />"Of course" I replied, "If I don't grow old, you won't grow up!"<br /><br />Such is the cycle of life.<br /><br />My mother-in-law spent her entire life serving her family and placing every member's needs above hers. She has been the pivotal point in her family and there will surely be emptiness in her children's lives when she passes on. But such is the cycle of life, we raise our families, our children keeps us busy, give us meaning and continues our lives even after we are gone. Our children continue our lives because a part of us lives in them.<br /><br />Yes, life continues and we don't have to worry about the future because Jesus specifically told us not to.</font></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05651509769892366794noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249339859494854112.post-2359826568006989352011-06-18T22:58:00.006+08:002011-06-18T23:07:39.815+08:00What's God's Will For You?<div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRczecY4mitaoLDU35tjmAVLx-q4Po-YC3tWc-p3Zi7D4EZDqnm7tW4mEQe-6CKJMG-Dr0CFj6vNlvhbTKceMnWfkptSL2Lqw2G4yKWNPNMD9Q4fJO1Of1vh2TQoHVOF0mHqPSmsVkWmM/s1600/images.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 184px; height: 274px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5619575902333807810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRczecY4mitaoLDU35tjmAVLx-q4Po-YC3tWc-p3Zi7D4EZDqnm7tW4mEQe-6CKJMG-Dr0CFj6vNlvhbTKceMnWfkptSL2Lqw2G4yKWNPNMD9Q4fJO1Of1vh2TQoHVOF0mHqPSmsVkWmM/s400/images.jpg" /></a><font face="arial">Many Christians get stressed over finding the will of God.<br /><br />There are 2 main schools of thought about the will of God:<br />(1) I don’t do anything in my life without God’s guidance.<br />(2) I don’t expect God’s guidance until I move.<br /><br />Pastor Paul Scanlon (the founder of Abundant Life Ministries, UK) said that when seeking God’s will, it is not about praying whether you should choose choice A or choice B, or turning left or right. Regardless of which way you choose, God will bless your decision just like what He did for Abraham, whichever way he chose to go, up the hills or down the plains, God would have blessed him. And God would rather you made a wrong choice than no choice at all. God is drawn to movement. The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, though he falls, he shall not be cast down, for the Lord upholds him in His hands.<br /><br />Pastor Paul Scanlon had more to say about God’s will…<br /><br />Don’t get stressed-out over God’s will because His will is not miserable. Check out the general direction you would like to go and go with a sense of peace. Get your life in motion and God will direct you. Abraham didn’t know where he was going, but he was in the will of God and all he knew was that he had to leave. If all you know is you’re to leave something, that is enough to start, to create steps in knowing the will of God.<br /><br />God has given each of you a GPS; your heart, your compass, listen to it, keep moving but don’t be stressed, pay attention to your passions and leanings.<br /><br />In Old Testament (OT) time, God was with people but not in them, so people needed the prophets and priests to tell them what to do. They had to follow external things for God’s guidance, such as the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire. The presence of God was in the Ark.<br /><br />In New Testament (NT) time, the physical temple was gone. You’re the temple, God lives in you and He doesn’t move out when He doesn’t like you. The presence of God dwells in you. When you’re there, God is there, although how much you allow Him in your life is up to you.<br /><br />An OT mindset keeps people small, but we are NT people. Do not under value yourself, do not say that “Toronto has the move of God” or other places have the move of God, God also moves where you are.<br /><br />When you launch a rocket to the moon, all you have to do is to aim it at a general direction to the moon. There is a device in the rocket, some kind of a GPS system that will only kick into action after the rocket is set in motion. Before launching, when the rocket sits still, it does not work. It begins to work only after the rocket is launched and flies towards the moon.<br /><br />The will of God is not a tight-rope where you may fall off. You’ve got God inside you, when you’re seeking a direction from Him, look inside you and make a decision on what to do, and do it by faith. We don’t need to spiritualize things, sometimes the will of God is like common sense. Non Christians are living better lives than us because of common sense.<br /><br />Have you experienced a déjà vu (the experience of thinking that a new situation has occurred before)? If you don’t have the dejavu inclinations, nudging to do something, or to go somewhere, then it is most probably not God’s will for you.<br /><br />Why? Because God is Omniscience, He knows your entire life. He knows your end and has prepared you for the journey there. He writes your life-story from the last page, and put things in the earlier pages to prepare and direct you to the end. That’s the reason why you have the inclinations to do certain things. You’re wired that way.<br /><br />Parents, don’t force your children to do something that is not what God has wired them to do. “Train a child in the way he should go”. Expose them to the risk of failing.<br /><br />If your heart is for God, listen to it, take the risk to be yourself and you will find the good works He has prepared for you to do.</font></div></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05651509769892366794noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5249339859494854112.post-56438524979474038662011-05-19T15:42:00.005+08:002011-05-19T16:42:31.167+08:00Pondering...<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODiej1FhcuV-kRzxZ9QrFMxN_SnVi3nkco4n9I9Tibe2-gikUedCJfyNYI3TdoU73xCOrJyVkku7ZgcL4Meh8si6HH1O-C6f3Rn-xTDz4xkX9kJM7zEVV-F9QQVNjgLY_68m7Rwb8A3Sh/s1600/4eb7b87dc71b4702.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px 10px 10px 0px; width: 145px; height: 121px; float: left; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608333015755728786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhODiej1FhcuV-kRzxZ9QrFMxN_SnVi3nkco4n9I9Tibe2-gikUedCJfyNYI3TdoU73xCOrJyVkku7ZgcL4Meh8si6HH1O-C6f3Rn-xTDz4xkX9kJM7zEVV-F9QQVNjgLY_68m7Rwb8A3Sh/s400/4eb7b87dc71b4702.jpg" /></a><font face="arial">Someone said that all intricate details of our lives have been carefully planned by God. If that is so, then where is our personal accountability in our lives? If I sin, is that planned by God? Someone said that the experiences of our lives are like colours on a canvas carefully painted by our Creator. If that is so, then can we shirk off our mistakes as being ok with God? I don't think so. I suppose what these people are saying is, God knows everything and can make things right no matter how badly we've messed them up...</font><br /><br /><font face="arial">I'm seriously contemplating terminating a mother-daughter kinda relationship with a young person whom I'd cared for in past one year. Perhaps due to our cultural differences, many of her behaviours weren't acceptable to me and when she crossed the line yet again this February, my threshold burst. Since then, I was avoiding her like mad. She seemed to sense my distance and tried to connect with me once again. But something had already snapped in me and I knew we would never be the same again.</font><br /><font face="Arial"></font><br /><font face="Arial">I've actually prepared a parting statement to her, recorded in my handphone, ready to be messaged to her at an appropriate time. I've prayed to the Lord to show me just when is the right time to drop the bombshell to her. My mind goes back and forth, pondering, is it really the right thing to do? </font><br /><font face="Arial"></font><br /><font face="Arial">I was just checking my blog and following some sites when I chanced upon someone's post on how God will painstakingly add 'colours' to the canvas of our lives, planning the details and designing a beautiful picture etc. What about the serious mistakes that we make? I have no answer... I don't want to hurt her, I still care, but because something has snapped in me, I just want to end it all, to give us both a clean slate to start over, that she goes her way and I go mine. But I don't want to hurt her, and as such, nothing has ever come out of my mouth, and she doesn't know the change in my heart though she senses the change in my attitude. </font><br /><br /><font face="Arial">I've turned her over to the Lord and said that I can't take care of her anymore because I just can't take it anymore. But I don't want to do something I'll regret later. </font><br /><br /><font face="Arial">Now I ponder, in the Bible, God says that "I make all things new." Can it be possible that we can re-establish a brand new relationship that carries no baggages? I've forgiven her mistakes but I'm just so tired and afraid of yet another outburst from her that I want a clean break from her. But... shall I hope in God and give her another chance?</font><br /><br /><font face="Arial">For the moment, the answer is, "No, I don't have the faith to do so..." And I still don't know what to make of the relationship now?</font></div>Janehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05651509769892366794noreply@blogger.com0