My sis posted this on her blog, and has showed it to me a couple of times liao… But even though I’ve seen this video clip before (she showed me lar), I can never get tired of it… It is such a meaningful love story, I tell you... OOOooohh... *giggles* So meaningful that I wanna post it, too, hehe… Tells of the love this guy has for his gurl, and how he was willing to sacrifice so much for her… And truly it is a big sacrifice there!! View it:
http://www.geocities.com/lilxsugaxbabi/kiss.html
I’d actually seen it before (one of my friends from BG shared it with me) but it didn’t click in me until my sis told me the brief story of it… And I got kinda addicted to the song (and the whole story, too) hehe…
Well, my sis and I, we were both talking about the story (while watching it) and how sweet the guy was to actually sacrifice his pair of eyes, just so that his beloved can see the beautiful, colorful world again… She was saying that she couldn’t bring herself to do something like that, while I just didn’t agree with her on that… To me, as long as the person whom I care and love for so much, is happy, stays happy and will remain happy, I'll do whatever it takes!! I’d be willing to give anything… I MEAN IT!! Oh well, that’s just what love is (at least, that’s to my definition, hehe…) If you really love someone, you’d want to go the extra mile for him/her… Right? Otherwise, why would you think Jesus was willing take our place and die for us on the cross? Haha…
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Tuesday, June 28, 2005
GOD CAN DO WONDERS, AMEN!!
I received an SMS from Auntie Bee Kum (my outpost commander) this afternoon, saying that senior commander calls for a meeting this Weds, 8pm… Gosh, of all nights!! Immediately the thought of missing my BG cell meeting made me so frustrated, really… I would usually save my last Weds of the month so I could attend their meetings (they choose to set aside the last week of the month for this guy, Andrew to come and minister to us)… Really love his humble sharing and thoughtful encouragements… But looks like I have to decide fast, and when I asked Commander Theresa if the meeting that she called for was compulsory, it looks like I really didn’t have the choice but to miss Andrew’s sharing this time around… Shoot!! You can imagine me sulking, and once in a while letting it out on my poor, innocent customers... Sorry, but that's what happens when Elaine's in a bad mood, so it's just too bad... But who cares, not like they can see me, haha... Now u get the hint: DO NOT try and irritate me at de wrong time, or else... Thank God my parents didn’t catch my “long face”, otherwise I'm doomed to hear a learn-to-set-your-priorities-right lecture, hehe…
So, anyway, I called up a friend from BG to find out… Just in case, if God was on my side, the meeting with Andrew was cancelled, or at least postponed... It was just a thought that it’d be so wonderful if they would suddenly decide to do something else this week (psst, I didn’t even pray and ask God to do something about it, coz then it wouldn’t be fair to the rest of them… plus I would have sounded like a selfish freak)… Like I said, just a thought… He is such a humorous God, I tell you…
Since I remembered that I actually left something with him last month, I called to check if it was still with him, and whether he could pass it to anyone of the BG residents this Weds, since I will not be able to make it… (Thank God I called him to check, otherwise I wouldn't have gotten this good news, hehe...) Guess what he said? “Err, I'm really sorry Elaine, but I won’t be able to make it this Weds coz I have to attend one of my cell members’ wedding dinner…” Wah liao!! I know I'm such a bad person, but here’s the truth, and nothing but the truth: I was SOOOO happy that I couldn’t stop smiling the whole day… Imagine me facing the computer and smiling to myself, you’d probably think I'm siau!! Lord, you’re amazing, man!!
The good thing is I can still (I have to, anyway) go for the leaders’ meeting and not miss Andrew’s sharing… Ain’t that wonderful? It DEFINITELY is to me!! Ah, the hand of God working wonders… *winkz*
So, anyway, I called up a friend from BG to find out… Just in case, if God was on my side, the meeting with Andrew was cancelled, or at least postponed... It was just a thought that it’d be so wonderful if they would suddenly decide to do something else this week (psst, I didn’t even pray and ask God to do something about it, coz then it wouldn’t be fair to the rest of them… plus I would have sounded like a selfish freak)… Like I said, just a thought… He is such a humorous God, I tell you…
Since I remembered that I actually left something with him last month, I called to check if it was still with him, and whether he could pass it to anyone of the BG residents this Weds, since I will not be able to make it… (Thank God I called him to check, otherwise I wouldn't have gotten this good news, hehe...) Guess what he said? “Err, I'm really sorry Elaine, but I won’t be able to make it this Weds coz I have to attend one of my cell members’ wedding dinner…” Wah liao!! I know I'm such a bad person, but here’s the truth, and nothing but the truth: I was SOOOO happy that I couldn’t stop smiling the whole day… Imagine me facing the computer and smiling to myself, you’d probably think I'm siau!! Lord, you’re amazing, man!!
The good thing is I can still (I have to, anyway) go for the leaders’ meeting and not miss Andrew’s sharing… Ain’t that wonderful? It DEFINITELY is to me!! Ah, the hand of God working wonders… *winkz*
A WHOLE NEW WORLD
Hmm, today’s my sister’s first day at college… Gosh, for the past three days, she has been telling me how nervous she was and all, and today itself she was still mentioning that she was scared… Not that I'm complaining, but it’s just funny to see her nervous, anxious look, hehe… (p/s: she’ll smack me for saying this in public, but who cares... haha) Well, I can definitely understand how you’re feeling, Esther… It’s a total difference, compared to sec school… But don’t worry lar, you’ll definitely get used to it, you’re a Sanguine, anyway, right? Ahem ahem… Hehe *winkz*
Looking back at how well you got along with your sec school friends, I'm sure you can do the same with your new friends in coll as well… Keep it up for the Lord, yea? Whatever the circumstances that may come your way, always remember that there’s Someone up there whom you can call on for help and guidance, amen? Remember also to always “stand firm in your faith, and let nothing move u…” Whatever we do, praises from God are always more important than praises from men, agree? Che wah, look who’s talking here… Perasan…
Be a person who will influence the people you hang out with, not the other way around, k? The star that shines so brightly for our Lord... I hereby dedicate Matthew 5:14 & 16 to you!! “You are the light of the world… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds, and glorify your Father in heaven.” Remember how you led Sook Chin to Christ? I'm so proud of you, man!! If you can do it then, you can do it now, amen? Set your standards high… Most of all, believe in yourself (with the help of God, of course)... Remember the RR pledge: "With God's help, you will do your best, to serve God, your church & your fellowmen; to live by the Rangers' Code, and to make the Gloden Rule your daily rule." Most of all, it is the Holy Spirit that will lead you through, planting the fruit of the spirit in you... Remember the kids' song that we used to sing last time (even up til today)? Come on, sing with me (*winkz*): The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, the fruit of the Spirit is faithfulness, gentleness & self-control..." Way to go, Esther!! You can do it!!
Looking back at how well you got along with your sec school friends, I'm sure you can do the same with your new friends in coll as well… Keep it up for the Lord, yea? Whatever the circumstances that may come your way, always remember that there’s Someone up there whom you can call on for help and guidance, amen? Remember also to always “stand firm in your faith, and let nothing move u…” Whatever we do, praises from God are always more important than praises from men, agree? Che wah, look who’s talking here… Perasan…
Be a person who will influence the people you hang out with, not the other way around, k? The star that shines so brightly for our Lord... I hereby dedicate Matthew 5:14 & 16 to you!! “You are the light of the world… Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds, and glorify your Father in heaven.” Remember how you led Sook Chin to Christ? I'm so proud of you, man!! If you can do it then, you can do it now, amen? Set your standards high… Most of all, believe in yourself (with the help of God, of course)... Remember the RR pledge: "With God's help, you will do your best, to serve God, your church & your fellowmen; to live by the Rangers' Code, and to make the Gloden Rule your daily rule." Most of all, it is the Holy Spirit that will lead you through, planting the fruit of the spirit in you... Remember the kids' song that we used to sing last time (even up til today)? Come on, sing with me (*winkz*): The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, the fruit of the Spirit is faithfulness, gentleness & self-control..." Way to go, Esther!! You can do it!!
Monday, June 27, 2005
IN GOD'S PRESENCE...
Havn’t had Uncle Robert leading worship for quite a while oredi… I used to like it when he worship leads, not that I'm choosy on the worship leader, but just that I personally feel the presence of the Lord stronger wheneva he leads, hehe… One of my favourite worship leaders besides Pastor Koon Hee *winkz* The songs were really ministering to me full swing… I have been wanting something different in my life lately… Even after the rally, I was praying and asking the Lord to bring me to a higher level in Him… I have never been so lost in worship before... Focusing on His goodness and faithfulness throughout, I was just chewing in the meaning of the songs, not just singing for the sake of singing… Two of which really meant a lot… The lyrics and the meaning of the whole song in itself…
You Are Beautiful Beyond Description
You are beautiful beyond description
Too marvelous for words
Too wonderful for comprehension
Like nothing ever seen or heard
Who can grasp Your infinite wisdom
Who can fathom the depths of Your love
You are beautiful beyond description
Majesty, enthroned above
** And I stand, I stand in awe of You
I stand, I stand in awe of You
Holy God to whom all praise is due
I stand in awe of You
How true… Our Lord is just so beautiful… Faithful, too… No words can ever describe His faithfulness to us… For Him to take us and accepts us as His beloved children, though full of sin and blemish… Thank You, Lord for showing Your love to us by dying on the cross for us… I might have disappointed You in more ways than one, but the fact that You still love and acknowledge me as Your child, accepts me when I come running back to You for forgiveness…
All Heaven Declares
All heaven declares
The Glory of the risen Lord
Who can compare
With the beauty of the Lord
** Forever You will be (echo)
The Lamb upon the throne (echo)
I gladly bow my knee (echo)
To worship You alone
I will proclaim
The Glory of the risen Lord
Who once was slain
To reconcile men to God
Indeed Lord, I wanna come back to the heart of worship... Making You the Lord who rules over my whole life... You will forever be the Lord of all… May find it hard to let go of certain issues in my life, thinking that I can handle it on my own... But time and time again, You have proved that You are in better control of everything!! Thank You for showing me the truth... For it says in Your Word that we shall know the truth, and the truth shall set us free!! Amen to that... Submitting all my plans and desires for the glory of Your kingdom… Thank You, Lord… Amen!!
You Are Beautiful Beyond Description
You are beautiful beyond description
Too marvelous for words
Too wonderful for comprehension
Like nothing ever seen or heard
Who can grasp Your infinite wisdom
Who can fathom the depths of Your love
You are beautiful beyond description
Majesty, enthroned above
** And I stand, I stand in awe of You
I stand, I stand in awe of You
Holy God to whom all praise is due
I stand in awe of You
How true… Our Lord is just so beautiful… Faithful, too… No words can ever describe His faithfulness to us… For Him to take us and accepts us as His beloved children, though full of sin and blemish… Thank You, Lord for showing Your love to us by dying on the cross for us… I might have disappointed You in more ways than one, but the fact that You still love and acknowledge me as Your child, accepts me when I come running back to You for forgiveness…
All Heaven Declares
All heaven declares
The Glory of the risen Lord
Who can compare
With the beauty of the Lord
** Forever You will be (echo)
The Lamb upon the throne (echo)
I gladly bow my knee (echo)
To worship You alone
I will proclaim
The Glory of the risen Lord
Who once was slain
To reconcile men to God
Indeed Lord, I wanna come back to the heart of worship... Making You the Lord who rules over my whole life... You will forever be the Lord of all… May find it hard to let go of certain issues in my life, thinking that I can handle it on my own... But time and time again, You have proved that You are in better control of everything!! Thank You for showing me the truth... For it says in Your Word that we shall know the truth, and the truth shall set us free!! Amen to that... Submitting all my plans and desires for the glory of Your kingdom… Thank You, Lord… Amen!!
Saturday, June 25, 2005
THE GIFT OF BRAND NEW LIFE...
God looked around His garden and saw an empty place
He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face
He put His arms around you
And lifted you to rest.
He knew the road was getting rough
And the hills were too hard to climb
He knew that you were suffering
He knew that you were in pain.
He knew that you wouldn't get well on earth again
So He closed your weary eyelids
And whispered tenderly, "Peace be with you!"
He then looked down upon the earth and saw your tired face
He put His arms around you
And lifted you to rest.
He knew the road was getting rough
And the hills were too hard to climb
He knew that you were suffering
He knew that you were in pain.
He knew that you wouldn't get well on earth again
So He closed your weary eyelids
And whispered tenderly, "Peace be with you!"
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you didn't go alone
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.
A poem dedicated to my beloved granddad who went home to be with the Lord on de 21/6/05, four days after giving his life to Jesus… The first thought that crossed my mind was, “All praise & glory to the Father that he has now joined the family of Christ in the heavenlies!!” And though his family back in KT insisted on a Buddhist style funeral, we all knew for sure where he is right now…
Immediately after getting a call from my mom, saying that he has migrated to heaven, we started getting ready for a trip back to my hometown. He has changed since the last time I saw him… Sweet memories of him started flooding my mind… How, as a young girl, he used to pamper me with so much care & love… Being his eldest grandchild, he really “sayang” me a lot, not that he doesn’t love or treasure the rest of his grandchildren… I’ll definitely miss him much… He’ll definitely be dearly remembered as the caring, happy-go-lucky person he has been when he was alive… But then again, I take comfort in the fact that Jesus loves him more than anyone of us, and wants him to enjoy better life in heaven!!
The whole ceremony was seriously freaky… A noisy one, it is… With all the chantings and “tik-toking” sounds, gosh… We were juz quietly sitting behind everyone, praying even harder for the spirit of God to surround my granddad, as he lay peacefully there, for “Greater is He who is in us, than he who is in the world…” I also found that because of all these happenings & rituals, my aunts were praying harder than before… I just pray that their faith in Him will continue to stay strong!!
The next day was the burial… I was trying to keep my composure at the beginning, but couldn’t hold it anymore, especially when they were lowering the coffin… For I know I will definitely miss him... And after they were done with the Chinese style, my dad took the lead in a last prayer for my granddad… Knowing that he is now in a better place, and in good hands… Leaving that place, I learnt something… He left behind a life of great example, worth following…
I LOVE U, GRANDPA!!
But you didn't go alone
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.
A poem dedicated to my beloved granddad who went home to be with the Lord on de 21/6/05, four days after giving his life to Jesus… The first thought that crossed my mind was, “All praise & glory to the Father that he has now joined the family of Christ in the heavenlies!!” And though his family back in KT insisted on a Buddhist style funeral, we all knew for sure where he is right now…
Immediately after getting a call from my mom, saying that he has migrated to heaven, we started getting ready for a trip back to my hometown. He has changed since the last time I saw him… Sweet memories of him started flooding my mind… How, as a young girl, he used to pamper me with so much care & love… Being his eldest grandchild, he really “sayang” me a lot, not that he doesn’t love or treasure the rest of his grandchildren… I’ll definitely miss him much… He’ll definitely be dearly remembered as the caring, happy-go-lucky person he has been when he was alive… But then again, I take comfort in the fact that Jesus loves him more than anyone of us, and wants him to enjoy better life in heaven!!
The whole ceremony was seriously freaky… A noisy one, it is… With all the chantings and “tik-toking” sounds, gosh… We were juz quietly sitting behind everyone, praying even harder for the spirit of God to surround my granddad, as he lay peacefully there, for “Greater is He who is in us, than he who is in the world…” I also found that because of all these happenings & rituals, my aunts were praying harder than before… I just pray that their faith in Him will continue to stay strong!!
The next day was the burial… I was trying to keep my composure at the beginning, but couldn’t hold it anymore, especially when they were lowering the coffin… For I know I will definitely miss him... And after they were done with the Chinese style, my dad took the lead in a last prayer for my granddad… Knowing that he is now in a better place, and in good hands… Leaving that place, I learnt something… He left behind a life of great example, worth following…
I LOVE U, GRANDPA!!
Tuesday, June 21, 2005
THE MIX-UP... HAHAHA...
Haihz, what happened yesterday was a joke, man… All the misinterpretation of stories, hmm… Well, I mentioned about the audition for news reading yesterday? I called Wei Sern to ask if he knew how to get there, so he kinda knew that I was looking for someone who’s familiar with the place… Then somehow, sometime later in the evening, he rang me up again, saying I could probably try Thomas since he’s going as well… Coincidence? But the thing is, I found out only the morning itself, that he was scheduled for TV3 (sounds something like a children and teens prog or something like that) while I was for RTM, and assuming Wei gave me the right info, I didn’t really confirmed with Thomas again (actually Wei didn’t know it was a totally different thing, but since it’s “audition”, he tembak only… but of course, not his fault ler… so, don’t feel bad ler *winkz*)
Well, I met Thomas at the rally and asked him about it (Wei happened to be there so we were kinda talking a lil about it)… Somehow, he offered to give me a lift… I don’t really feel nice about it, especially if it will trouble his parents… But he insisted that it wasn’t a problem at all… I don’t actually remember him telling me that his audition will be in One U (one east, one west, can you imagine?)… Anyway, to cut the story short, since they were already here to pick me up, ikut je lar… No harm done having a look at it as well… Who knows they might call me in? Hehe…
But then I remembered that I gotta get my resume ready for my audition… So decided to call my mom pick me up… It’s like, because of the misconception, she had to come the extra journey… So, I was ready to hear bombarding from her as soon as I got in the car, and so true enuff… But, haiyah, not like I never kena before, so cincai lar… my fault anyway, hehe…
Fast forward after church… At the audition, I was asked to read through a portion of news, and then when I was ready, to go in front of the cameras… Dono how it went, gotta wait for their call… They said to give ’em two to three weeks… Then it was after everything that reality started sinking in… If this was RTM, and of all language, Malay, it will be aired only on channel 1!! Like who watches channel 1?? Of course TV3 would be a better thing in the sense that it’s more famous, like more viewers compared to TV1, what say you? And also the traveling distance is not that far (Bandar Utama compared to Angkasapuri... Imagine the diff) But it was a good exposure, though… See where God leads lar… If it is His will, He will make all things work out for the glory of His name, amen? Romans 8:28 says, “For all things work together for good, to those who love Him, and are called according to His purposes.” I leave it all to You, Lord. Amen.
Well, I met Thomas at the rally and asked him about it (Wei happened to be there so we were kinda talking a lil about it)… Somehow, he offered to give me a lift… I don’t really feel nice about it, especially if it will trouble his parents… But he insisted that it wasn’t a problem at all… I don’t actually remember him telling me that his audition will be in One U (one east, one west, can you imagine?)… Anyway, to cut the story short, since they were already here to pick me up, ikut je lar… No harm done having a look at it as well… Who knows they might call me in? Hehe…
But then I remembered that I gotta get my resume ready for my audition… So decided to call my mom pick me up… It’s like, because of the misconception, she had to come the extra journey… So, I was ready to hear bombarding from her as soon as I got in the car, and so true enuff… But, haiyah, not like I never kena before, so cincai lar… my fault anyway, hehe…
Fast forward after church… At the audition, I was asked to read through a portion of news, and then when I was ready, to go in front of the cameras… Dono how it went, gotta wait for their call… They said to give ’em two to three weeks… Then it was after everything that reality started sinking in… If this was RTM, and of all language, Malay, it will be aired only on channel 1!! Like who watches channel 1?? Of course TV3 would be a better thing in the sense that it’s more famous, like more viewers compared to TV1, what say you? And also the traveling distance is not that far (Bandar Utama compared to Angkasapuri... Imagine the diff) But it was a good exposure, though… See where God leads lar… If it is His will, He will make all things work out for the glory of His name, amen? Romans 8:28 says, “For all things work together for good, to those who love Him, and are called according to His purposes.” I leave it all to You, Lord. Amen.
Monday, June 20, 2005
SUPER, EXCELLENT, WONDERFUL RALLY!!
Haven’t had rallies for such a long time… Anticipating it and finally, here it comes!! Wow, yesterday's worship was superb (Rachel Chan led the worship), and most of the songs were from Planet Shakers, my second favourite band *winkz* !! One song that really ministered to me is from the album ALL THAT I WANT… Titled HERE I AM... It speaks about the willingness of the heart to be used by God, going where He sends me to…Even as i am listening to it right this moment, I can feel goosebumps all over, hehe... Well, anyway, just seeing how the youths worshipped the Lord really encouraged me altogether… I believe He is beginning to do something in each of our lives, something different which He has never done before!! Amen? *winkz* Well, for me personally as well...
The message was POWERFUL, I tell you!! It really refreshed me personally… God prompted me certain things again here, and it was at such a perfect time that He delivered them through Pastor Carl Butler, all the way from NZ!! It’s truly very timely, hehe… Good lar… It’s not the matter of who the speaker was, but it’s the timing of the message… Getting our lives right with God was the main concern here and I felt that He has been constantly reminding me about this important point… Said a prayer of commitment and felt recharged and reassured about certain stuff in my life… Recharged was the exact word!!
Then as I was back at the LCD, I had a really clear view of those youths who went up for prayers of salvation (speaking of which, we had quite a number of ’em giving their lives up for JC, yoohoo, all glory to God the Father!!), even those who’s fire for the Lord had grown cold and wanted to renew their commitment again… I said a silent prayer for them (and myself), that God will begin to use them (and myself, too) mightily even as young as they are right now (like what 1 Tim 4:12 says)
I pray that the fire will not just stop here, when the rally ends, the fire ends as well, NO!! I want it to go on burning for Jesus (especially in myself…) and to be contagious Christians, spreading His Word like wildfire to places that need His presence, and people that need His love and touch… “We can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us…” (Phil 4:13) AMEN!!
The message was POWERFUL, I tell you!! It really refreshed me personally… God prompted me certain things again here, and it was at such a perfect time that He delivered them through Pastor Carl Butler, all the way from NZ!! It’s truly very timely, hehe… Good lar… It’s not the matter of who the speaker was, but it’s the timing of the message… Getting our lives right with God was the main concern here and I felt that He has been constantly reminding me about this important point… Said a prayer of commitment and felt recharged and reassured about certain stuff in my life… Recharged was the exact word!!
Then as I was back at the LCD, I had a really clear view of those youths who went up for prayers of salvation (speaking of which, we had quite a number of ’em giving their lives up for JC, yoohoo, all glory to God the Father!!), even those who’s fire for the Lord had grown cold and wanted to renew their commitment again… I said a silent prayer for them (and myself), that God will begin to use them (and myself, too) mightily even as young as they are right now (like what 1 Tim 4:12 says)
I pray that the fire will not just stop here, when the rally ends, the fire ends as well, NO!! I want it to go on burning for Jesus (especially in myself…) and to be contagious Christians, spreading His Word like wildfire to places that need His presence, and people that need His love and touch… “We can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us…” (Phil 4:13) AMEN!!
Sunday, June 19, 2005
LADY IN WAITING by debby jones & jackie kendall
Chapter 7: Lady of Security
- Feelings of Security
Why do women tend to “go after the guys”? Why do women experience difficulty being still and waiting for the man to initiate and develop the relationship? You find the answer in one word: insecurity. Insecurity keeps a woman from experiencing consistent joy even within a relationship because a man cannot provide security, only God can.
Insecurity causes you to cling to a relationship. You feel lack of confidence unless you have a man. When he is not with you, you fear he will not come back or call again. You want him to make a commitment, so you will not lose him. You want all his time and attention. All your dreams, plans and goals revolve around him. Insecurity in a relationship can cause jealousy and bickering. It makes you lose your confidence when he looks at another woman.
Insecurity can cause you to be demanding and have unrealistic expectations of your relationship. When he hurts or disappoints you, you can be upset for days. You constantly feel the need to “define” your relationship and talk about your love for each other.
- Believing A Lie
Why do women feel they have to go after men? Many women have believed a lie. They think, “I must get the best for myself because God may not give it to me.” Ladies, God gave you the choice between His plans and yours. In the midst of her circumstances, Ruth could not have possibly seen that a man like Boaz would one day be her prince... neither can you with your limited perspective see who or where your prince will be. Only God has all things in view.
Are you trying to control your own life? Are you making plans for your life that only God should make? Don’t settle for less than God's best. Surrender the terrible burden of always needing life on your terms. Don’t look back one day and regret that you made your “life mate” choice from a limited perspective because you longed for the security of a relationship. God can and will give you His best if you wait for it.
- Secure Love
Women tend to struggle with insecurity because of the unique way God created them. God made every little girl with the need to love and be loved by her earthly father. God designs His world with a picture of a family as a theme. The father protects, loves and cares for his wife and their children. As a little girl, you may remember feeling the desire to be cherished. Loved and accepted by your daddy. If he failed to show that love to you in God's way, perhaps you continued to search for a man who would. Only Jesus who “is the same yesterday, today and forever,” will never disappoint or fail you (Heb 13:8)
Turn to your heavenly Father now. Pour out to Him your hearts longing to be loved. See His arms open wide and His empty lap ready to embrace and hold you near. He considers you dear. He longs to give you satisfying love. And only God's love brings security.
- Manipulation & Maneuvering
Manipulation & maneuvering can also take the form of serving as a “surrogate (substitute) helpmeet.” Many women want to marry as badly as they wanna go to heaven. They long to care for a man, so they run around trying to find at least a “generic” version of the real thing. These precious (but deceived) women constantly look for a man with a need and pounce on that need in hopes of eventually winning the affection of the man.
A “manipulator” may hear of a female friend who needs help and callously allow her to do without it. Allow God to use you to minister to brothers and sisters equally with no ulterior motives. Another form of maneuvering is to become the guy’s “mom.” Insecure females all too often deceives themselves into thinking because they do so much for a particular young men, they will surely win his love. WRONG! Why? Most men are used to the sacrifices of a woman. Good ol’ mom has been sacrificing for him since the womb. Sure, this young man will say, “Thanks,” but young men do not marry their mothers! When a woman does something really nice for a certain guy, he usually does not spend the rest of the day thinking about her unselfish service (he may accustomed to receiving). The woman may begin to feel used.
- Motive Check
This is not to say that you cannot do nice things for a man; it is simply a warning to check your motives. A woman with selfish motivation mentally plots the next maneuver to capture the attention of the man of her dreams. Ask the Lord to reveal any impure motive that resides in your heart. To keep your motives pure, check them daily. Proverbs 16:2 says, “All a man’s [woman’s] ways seems innocent to him [her], but motives are weighed by the Lord.”
Manipulation & maneuvering can be deadly. If you maneuver to get a man, you will have to maneuver to keep him! You recognize the difference between the two by discerning your motive. Refuse to be a member of the M&M (Manipulation & Maneuvering) Team!
- Feelings of Security
Why do women tend to “go after the guys”? Why do women experience difficulty being still and waiting for the man to initiate and develop the relationship? You find the answer in one word: insecurity. Insecurity keeps a woman from experiencing consistent joy even within a relationship because a man cannot provide security, only God can.
Insecurity causes you to cling to a relationship. You feel lack of confidence unless you have a man. When he is not with you, you fear he will not come back or call again. You want him to make a commitment, so you will not lose him. You want all his time and attention. All your dreams, plans and goals revolve around him. Insecurity in a relationship can cause jealousy and bickering. It makes you lose your confidence when he looks at another woman.
Insecurity can cause you to be demanding and have unrealistic expectations of your relationship. When he hurts or disappoints you, you can be upset for days. You constantly feel the need to “define” your relationship and talk about your love for each other.
- Believing A Lie
Why do women feel they have to go after men? Many women have believed a lie. They think, “I must get the best for myself because God may not give it to me.” Ladies, God gave you the choice between His plans and yours. In the midst of her circumstances, Ruth could not have possibly seen that a man like Boaz would one day be her prince... neither can you with your limited perspective see who or where your prince will be. Only God has all things in view.
Are you trying to control your own life? Are you making plans for your life that only God should make? Don’t settle for less than God's best. Surrender the terrible burden of always needing life on your terms. Don’t look back one day and regret that you made your “life mate” choice from a limited perspective because you longed for the security of a relationship. God can and will give you His best if you wait for it.
- Secure Love
Women tend to struggle with insecurity because of the unique way God created them. God made every little girl with the need to love and be loved by her earthly father. God designs His world with a picture of a family as a theme. The father protects, loves and cares for his wife and their children. As a little girl, you may remember feeling the desire to be cherished. Loved and accepted by your daddy. If he failed to show that love to you in God's way, perhaps you continued to search for a man who would. Only Jesus who “is the same yesterday, today and forever,” will never disappoint or fail you (Heb 13:8)
Turn to your heavenly Father now. Pour out to Him your hearts longing to be loved. See His arms open wide and His empty lap ready to embrace and hold you near. He considers you dear. He longs to give you satisfying love. And only God's love brings security.
- Manipulation & Maneuvering
Manipulation & maneuvering can also take the form of serving as a “surrogate (substitute) helpmeet.” Many women want to marry as badly as they wanna go to heaven. They long to care for a man, so they run around trying to find at least a “generic” version of the real thing. These precious (but deceived) women constantly look for a man with a need and pounce on that need in hopes of eventually winning the affection of the man.
A “manipulator” may hear of a female friend who needs help and callously allow her to do without it. Allow God to use you to minister to brothers and sisters equally with no ulterior motives. Another form of maneuvering is to become the guy’s “mom.” Insecure females all too often deceives themselves into thinking because they do so much for a particular young men, they will surely win his love. WRONG! Why? Most men are used to the sacrifices of a woman. Good ol’ mom has been sacrificing for him since the womb. Sure, this young man will say, “Thanks,” but young men do not marry their mothers! When a woman does something really nice for a certain guy, he usually does not spend the rest of the day thinking about her unselfish service (he may accustomed to receiving). The woman may begin to feel used.
- Motive Check
This is not to say that you cannot do nice things for a man; it is simply a warning to check your motives. A woman with selfish motivation mentally plots the next maneuver to capture the attention of the man of her dreams. Ask the Lord to reveal any impure motive that resides in your heart. To keep your motives pure, check them daily. Proverbs 16:2 says, “All a man’s [woman’s] ways seems innocent to him [her], but motives are weighed by the Lord.”
Manipulation & maneuvering can be deadly. If you maneuver to get a man, you will have to maneuver to keep him! You recognize the difference between the two by discerning your motive. Refuse to be a member of the M&M (Manipulation & Maneuvering) Team!
HOW CUD I HAVE FORGOTTEN?!
Received a mail last Wednesday from the deejay who interviewed me on AIFM radio station, Guo Xiang… I was so glad that he actually kept my interest and I in mind… Towards the end of the interview, they did ask me regarding my ambition and what I would love to do in the near future… My dream is the word that they used in mandarin… I mentioned that since young (at the age of 15 to be exact), I had always wanted to become a news reader, especially in BM… It was truly an encouragement when he said, “Hey, maybe you can leave me your contact number & email add, so that I can keep you informed whenever we do have training for newscasters…” Wow, cool!! *winks*
So, last Wednesday, when I opened my mailbox, I was so excited when I saw a mail from him… He actually emailed me to inform that there will be an audition for news reading in BM, and that they are only looking for Chinese!! But somehow I had totally forgotten about it until I checked my email again today and gosh, it’s TODAY, 10.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.!! I started panicking… Called a few of my friends to check if they had any idea how to get there (it’s in Klang, of all places…), but their responses were mostly negative…
Until I got a call from my aunt (and it suddenly crossed my mind that she’s the right person since she used to work in Klang years back), immediately I checked with her and all praise & glory to God she knows where it is… She even knows how to get there!! HALLELUJAH!! So, she could send me there tomorrow, after church, phew… What a relieve, man… I will kick myself for this mistake if I can’t go for it!! This is my golden opportunity sent from Heaven above and I truly thank God for all of it… Let’s just wait and see how it goes, yea?
So, last Wednesday, when I opened my mailbox, I was so excited when I saw a mail from him… He actually emailed me to inform that there will be an audition for news reading in BM, and that they are only looking for Chinese!! But somehow I had totally forgotten about it until I checked my email again today and gosh, it’s TODAY, 10.30 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.!! I started panicking… Called a few of my friends to check if they had any idea how to get there (it’s in Klang, of all places…), but their responses were mostly negative…
Until I got a call from my aunt (and it suddenly crossed my mind that she’s the right person since she used to work in Klang years back), immediately I checked with her and all praise & glory to God she knows where it is… She even knows how to get there!! HALLELUJAH!! So, she could send me there tomorrow, after church, phew… What a relieve, man… I will kick myself for this mistake if I can’t go for it!! This is my golden opportunity sent from Heaven above and I truly thank God for all of it… Let’s just wait and see how it goes, yea?
MY NIGHTMARE... O GOSH!!
How bad could this be? I’ve really, seriously got a phobia of hospitals, and of all things, this is just what I dreamed about two nights ago… I’ve shared with Wei Sern, a very close friend (umpteen times) about my fears and worries of being admitted to a hospital, or even going to the hospitals just for ministry and visitation's sake... Yes, the visitations are all for a good cause but the fear will somehow still be in me... Worst still if the reason is becoz I had to really go through an operation… But (I know he’s nice enuff to calm me down about my fears) he did say that if the op would give me back the use of my legs, why not just give it a try… Yes, true… But that would also have to depend on whether my doctor is in favor of the whole idea and whether she sees me fit enuff for it…
I dreamed that my doctor said I should go in for a week’s observation (tests, x-rays and whatever else)… Thank God she didn’t mention surgery… Since I was so afraid of it, and in the dream my parents don’t happen to be around in town, I could easily escape the whole thing, or so I thought… But somehow I told Wei Sern about it and of all things to say, here’s what he told me: “It’s ok, since your parents won’t be back any time soon, I can offer to send you there… Will settle your admission procedures for you, so no worries there…” Hey, that’s not what I'm worried about, the whole point here is that I didn’t wanna be admitted at all!!”
But he was so firm and insisted that I go (that firmness really creeps and scares me, man... Especially getting me to do something I hate)… I didn’t have the choice, did I? Well, I prefer not to go into details about it… Even talking about it just creeps me out!! All I'm praying & hoping is that this dream won’t come to pass, especially not with Wei Sern insisting on offering to help me with the procedures… SCARY!!Or should I say I will try not to let you know if such thing would really happen, hehe...
I dreamed that my doctor said I should go in for a week’s observation (tests, x-rays and whatever else)… Thank God she didn’t mention surgery… Since I was so afraid of it, and in the dream my parents don’t happen to be around in town, I could easily escape the whole thing, or so I thought… But somehow I told Wei Sern about it and of all things to say, here’s what he told me: “It’s ok, since your parents won’t be back any time soon, I can offer to send you there… Will settle your admission procedures for you, so no worries there…” Hey, that’s not what I'm worried about, the whole point here is that I didn’t wanna be admitted at all!!”
But he was so firm and insisted that I go (that firmness really creeps and scares me, man... Especially getting me to do something I hate)… I didn’t have the choice, did I? Well, I prefer not to go into details about it… Even talking about it just creeps me out!! All I'm praying & hoping is that this dream won’t come to pass, especially not with Wei Sern insisting on offering to help me with the procedures… SCARY!!Or should I say I will try not to let you know if such thing would really happen, hehe...
Saturday, June 18, 2005
BAD MANNERS... HOW BAD CAN IT GET?
Whoa, today damn stress!! I really hate it when people "pass me around" on the phone without even trying to at least find out what was it that I really wanted... And worst of all, before even getting to the person I wanted to speak to, the very first person came back on the line, and her response would be like, "Oh, you still there ar? Err, wait ar, I sambung you again..." (and don't forget that every time a person came on the line, wether or not she was the first one who picked up the call, I had to repeat my greetings & re-introduce myself) Please don't waste my time, nonsense!! And the other thing is, not that I'm condemning you (the receiver), but shouldn't the company screen the people that they wanna employ as a receptionist? They are the core people, alright?? Grrhgg!! You wouldn't want bad reports about your company coming back to you (or worst still, reaching your MD) saying what a bad human relation the staff in your company has and end up having a whole list of comments about so-and-so being rude or whatever... Sorry, too bad, one bad rep for you there already...
I greet the receiver Good Morning, their response was like, "Ya?" and as I finish my sentence, they reply (in mandrin or cantonese), "Sorry ar, you say what ar...?" Whoaliao, what?? U no speaking English?? Oh gosh, how bad can that be??
I've learnt that communication is the most important tool in today's society, and yet there still are people who have been in career world for decades who don't even have a single bit of communication skills, or at least basic manners... Didn't their teachers (in school), or bosses for this matter, train them on communication skills or at least how to deal with people when it comes to work etiquette? Gosh, that's bad!! Sentences or replies like, "No lar, my boss not in lar!! Anything, speak to the secretary lar, I not free now lar!!" And "pap", the phone slams in your ear!! Wahliao...If you consider that an insult, let it be, but I think a Primary One school kid can do much better...
Anyway, gotta go get ready for cell, so chiao first... Catch up later...
I greet the receiver Good Morning, their response was like, "Ya?" and as I finish my sentence, they reply (in mandrin or cantonese), "Sorry ar, you say what ar...?" Whoaliao, what?? U no speaking English?? Oh gosh, how bad can that be??
I've learnt that communication is the most important tool in today's society, and yet there still are people who have been in career world for decades who don't even have a single bit of communication skills, or at least basic manners... Didn't their teachers (in school), or bosses for this matter, train them on communication skills or at least how to deal with people when it comes to work etiquette? Gosh, that's bad!! Sentences or replies like, "No lar, my boss not in lar!! Anything, speak to the secretary lar, I not free now lar!!" And "pap", the phone slams in your ear!! Wahliao...If you consider that an insult, let it be, but I think a Primary One school kid can do much better...
Anyway, gotta go get ready for cell, so chiao first... Catch up later...
PRAYERS ANSWERED!! YOOHOO...
Wow!! It's really gonna be a testimony in cell tonight, hehe... Remember this morning I mentioned about my grandad and that I was really hoping & praying that he will give his life to Jesus?
I'm actually in the midst of work, on the phone with my customer when my mom came out from her room with a big HALLELUJAH!! Right there & then, I just knew for sure my granddad had given his life to Jesus!! I bet the angels in heaven rejoicing to the max now, yoohoo!!
Some time back, when he was down here and my dad did try and witness to him, he was still quite hesitant, saying he actually wouldn't mind, but is afraid of what his sons & daughter would say... But today, my dad asked him the most important question, and he said, ask his daughter... I really praise God that my aunt said the decision is all up to him... So, my dad led him in the sinner's prayer...
Well, so far, that's the latest I can share for now... The rest of the story will have to wait til my dad comes home tonight... Oh gosh, I'm so excited... Now i really can't wait to share it in cell tonight, hehe...
I'm actually in the midst of work, on the phone with my customer when my mom came out from her room with a big HALLELUJAH!! Right there & then, I just knew for sure my granddad had given his life to Jesus!! I bet the angels in heaven rejoicing to the max now, yoohoo!!
Some time back, when he was down here and my dad did try and witness to him, he was still quite hesitant, saying he actually wouldn't mind, but is afraid of what his sons & daughter would say... But today, my dad asked him the most important question, and he said, ask his daughter... I really praise God that my aunt said the decision is all up to him... So, my dad led him in the sinner's prayer...
Well, so far, that's the latest I can share for now... The rest of the story will have to wait til my dad comes home tonight... Oh gosh, I'm so excited... Now i really can't wait to share it in cell tonight, hehe...
NEED GOD'S INTERVENTION!!
Heard from my mom that my granddad’s condition is not too good… Both my parents visited him back in my hometown last week, and came back with report saying that he has changed a lot, from the cheerful and bubbly person that he was to a now passive and quite person, just lying on his bed… He has lost so much weight coz of not much movement…
It’s not a wonder, since he’s already 80 plus… Of course, the one and only thing I would wish for is that he would give his life to the Saviour before it’s too late… Have been praying for his salvation, and so it’s all God's timing that this miracle would happen!! He’s heard the Gospel before, but it’s just that he wasn’t prepared yet then… Well, I don’t know about now, but the last I heard was that if his time on earth was really up, and he really had to go, the ceremony will be done the Chinese style… The worst is yet to come when my brother & my other 14-year-old cousin (two of the only mature grandsons) would have to pay respect to him in the Chinese way…
Besides, since he’s living with his other children back in Terengganu, who aren’t Christians, all the more they would wanna decide which style they wanna have it done with… Heard that my dad called up one of the church members in Terengganu – a very long-time friend of his – to help visit (and if possible minister to) my granddad… Just praying hard that he will learn to let go and be willing to make that ever-important decision of his life, to embrace the Cross!! When that really happens, the whole of Teo family members would rejoice together with all the angels in heaven!!
They all left as early as 5.00 this morning (my dad & his two sisters)… So, pray and hope that evrything will turn out well… God is in control, though, so just pray and hope for the best lar...
It’s not a wonder, since he’s already 80 plus… Of course, the one and only thing I would wish for is that he would give his life to the Saviour before it’s too late… Have been praying for his salvation, and so it’s all God's timing that this miracle would happen!! He’s heard the Gospel before, but it’s just that he wasn’t prepared yet then… Well, I don’t know about now, but the last I heard was that if his time on earth was really up, and he really had to go, the ceremony will be done the Chinese style… The worst is yet to come when my brother & my other 14-year-old cousin (two of the only mature grandsons) would have to pay respect to him in the Chinese way…
Besides, since he’s living with his other children back in Terengganu, who aren’t Christians, all the more they would wanna decide which style they wanna have it done with… Heard that my dad called up one of the church members in Terengganu – a very long-time friend of his – to help visit (and if possible minister to) my granddad… Just praying hard that he will learn to let go and be willing to make that ever-important decision of his life, to embrace the Cross!! When that really happens, the whole of Teo family members would rejoice together with all the angels in heaven!!
They all left as early as 5.00 this morning (my dad & his two sisters)… So, pray and hope that evrything will turn out well… God is in control, though, so just pray and hope for the best lar...
Thursday, June 16, 2005
HOW WE TREAT PEOPLE
Five (5) lessons to make you think about the way we treat people.
1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady.
During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one:
"What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?"
Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times.
She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name?
I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank.
Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade.
"Absolutely," said the professor.
"In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello".
I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.
2 - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain
One night, at 11.30 p.m., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car.
A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960s. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him.
Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached.. It read:
"Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away. God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others."
Sincerely,
Mrs. Nat King Cole.
3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve.
In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10 -year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. “How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked.
"Fifty cents," replied the waitress.
The little boy pulled is hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it.
"Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired.
By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient.
“Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied.
The little boy again counted his coins.
"I'll have the plain ice cream," he said.
The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away.
The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left.
When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies.
You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.
4 - Fourth Important Lesson - The obstacle in Our Path.
In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it.
Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and training, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand!
Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.
5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts.
Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, “Yes I'll do it if it will save her."
As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek.
Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away".
Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.
1 - First Important Lesson - Cleaning Lady.
During my second month of college, our professor gave us a pop quiz. I was a conscientious student and had breezed through the questions until I read the last one:
"What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school?"
Surely this was some kind of joke. I had seen the cleaning woman several times.
She was tall, dark-haired and in her 50s, but how would I know her name?
I handed in my paper, leaving the last question blank.
Just before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade.
"Absolutely," said the professor.
"In your careers, you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say "hello".
I've never forgotten that lesson. I also learned her name was Dorothy.
2 - Second Important Lesson - Pickup in the Rain
One night, at 11.30 p.m., an older African American woman was standing on the side of an Alabama highway trying to endure a lashing rainstorm. Her car had broken down and she desperately needed a ride. Soaking wet, she decided to flag down the next car.
A young white man stopped to help her, generally unheard of in those conflict-filled 1960s. The man took her to safety, helped her get assistance and put her into a taxicab. She seemed to be in a big hurry, but wrote down his address and thanked him.
Seven days went by and a knock came on the man's door. To his surprise, a giant console color TV was delivered to his home. A special note was attached.. It read:
"Thank you so much for assisting me on the highway the other night. The rain drenched not only my clothes, but also my spirits. Then you came along. Because of you, I was able to make it to my dying husband's bedside just before he passed away. God bless you for helping me and unselfishly serving others."
Sincerely,
Mrs. Nat King Cole.
3 - Third Important Lesson - Always remember those who serve.
In the days when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a 10 -year-old boy entered a hotel coffee shop and sat at a table. A waitress put a glass of water in front of him. “How much is an ice cream sundae?" he asked.
"Fifty cents," replied the waitress.
The little boy pulled is hand out of his pocket and studied the coins in it.
"Well, how much is a plain dish of ice cream?" he inquired.
By now more people were waiting for a table and the waitress was growing impatient.
“Thirty-five cents," she brusquely replied.
The little boy again counted his coins.
"I'll have the plain ice cream," he said.
The waitress brought the ice cream, put the bill on the table and walked away.
The boy finished the ice cream, paid the cashier and left.
When the waitress came back, she began to cry as she wiped down the table. There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies.
You see, he couldn't have the sundae, because he had to have enough left to leave her a tip.
4 - Fourth Important Lesson - The obstacle in Our Path.
In ancient times, a King had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it.
Many loudly blamed the King for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. Upon approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and training, he finally succeeded. After the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the King indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway. The peasant learned what many of us never understand!
Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve our condition.
5 - Fifth Important Lesson - Giving When it Counts.
Many years ago, when I worked as a volunteer at a hospital, I got to know a little girl named Liz who was suffering from a rare & serious disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies needed to combat the illness. The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked the little boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. I saw him hesitate for only a moment before taking a deep breath and saying, “Yes I'll do it if it will save her."
As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and smiled, as we all did, seeing the color returning to her cheek.
Then his face grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away".
Being young, the little boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood in order to save her.
Wednesday, June 15, 2005
LADY IN WAITING by debby jones & jackie kendall
Chapter 5: Lady of Devotion
Much too often people view a single woman as though she should be pitied rather than envied. Nothing could be further from the truth. A Lady In Waiting has the advantage of being able to develop her love relationship with Christ without the distractions that a husband or family inherently brings to one’s heart.
God still desires to know and be known by women today. But becoz sin entered the world, we no longer have a clear picture of the true God. Satan lied to Eve about God's character. “Indeed, has God said…?” (Gen 3:1) Satan has continued to lie to Eve’s daughters. As a result, fear has alienated women from the One who loves them as they need to be loved. Deep within a woman’s soul remains the longing for the gentle embrace of the God Who Is.
As a single, you have a wonderful opportunity to use your time to maximize your fellowship with God. When you love someone, you give them your heart, the centre of your being. God also desires a totally devoted heart. Deuteronomy 6:5 says that you are to love Him with all your heart (your deepest devotion), your soul (what you think and what you feel), and your might (your strength and energy).
God wants to do you good, not evil. Jeremiah 29:11 says He wants to give you a future and a hope. Has your wrong picture of God been invented by the enemy in order to rob you of a true knowledge and love of God? To love God, you must know Him intimately, personally and devotedly.
- Seeking True Love
Seeking God is very similar to developing a friendship. You talk a lot, you listen, you write each other letters, you think about each other, you find out what the other likes and does not like, and you try to do things that please that person. The more you spend time together, the more intimately you know your friend. And the more intimately you know your friend, the greater your love will be. It works the same way with your relationship with God.
If we are to know God intimately, then we must seek Him, not only with a whole heart, but also with a clean heart. The Lord’s fiancé must have a clean heart. You must clean up any blot of sin that may arise between you and your heavenly Sweetheart. Sin causes God to back away from a person. If you want your devotion to God to be complete, don’t merely brush at sin lightly. Get in there and confess it. Let Psalm 51:10 be your prayer: “Create in me a clean heart, O God…”
As you spend time with God during your daily devotional time learn to listen to Him as you read of His love and thoughts about you. As you read and study the Bible, you begin to see what He really thinks of you and what wonderful plans He has for you.
- An Advantageous Position
God says the unmarried woman has the advantage when it comes to her devotion to the Lord. An unmarried woman can give the Lord what a married woman rarely can – undistracted devotion. Ask any wife, even without children, and she will tell you her own juggling routine. A married woman struggles to have time alone with herself, much less time alone with God.
THE SINGLE GIFT!!
How blessed you are, you single one,
Don’t talk of care and woes.
You’ve got too much to be thankful for,
Oh what, you’d like to know.
It’s no mistake, no misdirection,
Of God's perfect plan
That you’ve not found your special lady,
Or you, that certain man.
God loves you so and has much more,
To give than you’ve ever received.
That He’s giving His best to you right now,
You really must believe.
His best is Himself, do you have it in full,
Or only a bit on the side.
No man can meet your needs like God,
Nor can a lovely bride.
If your life’s not complete, you know that Jesus is,
And your life He will fill.
If you’ll only put Him first each day,
And live to do His will.
He’s gifted you for undistracted
Devotion to the Lord.
There should be nothing that can interfere
With Him and prayer and the Word.
Unless you let down the guard of your heart
And let others take His place,
Then you’ll lack joy and peace and hope
And not experience His grace.
So give your heart right back to God
Let Him keep it safe for you.
And when it’s better than His best,
He’ll make your one into two.
Much too often people view a single woman as though she should be pitied rather than envied. Nothing could be further from the truth. A Lady In Waiting has the advantage of being able to develop her love relationship with Christ without the distractions that a husband or family inherently brings to one’s heart.
God still desires to know and be known by women today. But becoz sin entered the world, we no longer have a clear picture of the true God. Satan lied to Eve about God's character. “Indeed, has God said…?” (Gen 3:1) Satan has continued to lie to Eve’s daughters. As a result, fear has alienated women from the One who loves them as they need to be loved. Deep within a woman’s soul remains the longing for the gentle embrace of the God Who Is.
As a single, you have a wonderful opportunity to use your time to maximize your fellowship with God. When you love someone, you give them your heart, the centre of your being. God also desires a totally devoted heart. Deuteronomy 6:5 says that you are to love Him with all your heart (your deepest devotion), your soul (what you think and what you feel), and your might (your strength and energy).
God wants to do you good, not evil. Jeremiah 29:11 says He wants to give you a future and a hope. Has your wrong picture of God been invented by the enemy in order to rob you of a true knowledge and love of God? To love God, you must know Him intimately, personally and devotedly.
- Seeking True Love
Seeking God is very similar to developing a friendship. You talk a lot, you listen, you write each other letters, you think about each other, you find out what the other likes and does not like, and you try to do things that please that person. The more you spend time together, the more intimately you know your friend. And the more intimately you know your friend, the greater your love will be. It works the same way with your relationship with God.
If we are to know God intimately, then we must seek Him, not only with a whole heart, but also with a clean heart. The Lord’s fiancé must have a clean heart. You must clean up any blot of sin that may arise between you and your heavenly Sweetheart. Sin causes God to back away from a person. If you want your devotion to God to be complete, don’t merely brush at sin lightly. Get in there and confess it. Let Psalm 51:10 be your prayer: “Create in me a clean heart, O God…”
As you spend time with God during your daily devotional time learn to listen to Him as you read of His love and thoughts about you. As you read and study the Bible, you begin to see what He really thinks of you and what wonderful plans He has for you.
- An Advantageous Position
God says the unmarried woman has the advantage when it comes to her devotion to the Lord. An unmarried woman can give the Lord what a married woman rarely can – undistracted devotion. Ask any wife, even without children, and she will tell you her own juggling routine. A married woman struggles to have time alone with herself, much less time alone with God.
THE SINGLE GIFT!!
How blessed you are, you single one,
Don’t talk of care and woes.
You’ve got too much to be thankful for,
Oh what, you’d like to know.
It’s no mistake, no misdirection,
Of God's perfect plan
That you’ve not found your special lady,
Or you, that certain man.
God loves you so and has much more,
To give than you’ve ever received.
That He’s giving His best to you right now,
You really must believe.
His best is Himself, do you have it in full,
Or only a bit on the side.
No man can meet your needs like God,
Nor can a lovely bride.
If your life’s not complete, you know that Jesus is,
And your life He will fill.
If you’ll only put Him first each day,
And live to do His will.
He’s gifted you for undistracted
Devotion to the Lord.
There should be nothing that can interfere
With Him and prayer and the Word.
Unless you let down the guard of your heart
And let others take His place,
Then you’ll lack joy and peace and hope
And not experience His grace.
So give your heart right back to God
Let Him keep it safe for you.
And when it’s better than His best,
He’ll make your one into two.
WORTHY TO BE PRAISED
Lord, I come into Your presence
Here I stand in awesome reverence
Falling before the wonder of Your Name
Humbly now, Lord I surrender
This offering to You forever
Take all I am & use me Lord, I pray.
Make me what You want me to be
Teach me Your ways.
* I lay down my life before You
Throw down my crowns before You
Give up my all for Your name
My Savior, how I adore You
Healer, my heart longs for You
Jesus, You're worthy to be praised.
Jesus, You are Lord forever!!
Jesus, You are Lord forever!!
Jesus, You are Lord forever!!
Jesus, You are Lord forever!!
It has been a habit that I play some music or songs whenever I'm working… That’s to keep me awake instead of dozing off and end up not knowing what nonsense was said to my customers… Planet Shakers is my second choice after Hillsongs and I decided to settle for REFLECTOR today… Usually I just leave the music on, whether or not I was digesting the words, but somehow today, I paid extra attention to them and when this particular song was on, I just stopped whatever I was doing and let the lyrics minister to me…
This song has really taught me about humility in God's presence!! And that only Him and Him alone is Lord forever over my life… Surrendering myself wholly to the will of God, I am willing to be what He calls & wants me to be… Willing to be used by Him in whichever areas He sees me capable of service for Him… Humility means laying down EVERYTHING – my work, my play, my so-called great achievements, my desires, and even my life – for the glory of His name!! Every service, great or small, every deeds, it’s all for Him…
At the end of the day, it is His name that will be glorified!!
Here I stand in awesome reverence
Falling before the wonder of Your Name
Humbly now, Lord I surrender
This offering to You forever
Take all I am & use me Lord, I pray.
Make me what You want me to be
Teach me Your ways.
* I lay down my life before You
Throw down my crowns before You
Give up my all for Your name
My Savior, how I adore You
Healer, my heart longs for You
Jesus, You're worthy to be praised.
Jesus, You are Lord forever!!
Jesus, You are Lord forever!!
Jesus, You are Lord forever!!
Jesus, You are Lord forever!!
It has been a habit that I play some music or songs whenever I'm working… That’s to keep me awake instead of dozing off and end up not knowing what nonsense was said to my customers… Planet Shakers is my second choice after Hillsongs and I decided to settle for REFLECTOR today… Usually I just leave the music on, whether or not I was digesting the words, but somehow today, I paid extra attention to them and when this particular song was on, I just stopped whatever I was doing and let the lyrics minister to me…
This song has really taught me about humility in God's presence!! And that only Him and Him alone is Lord forever over my life… Surrendering myself wholly to the will of God, I am willing to be what He calls & wants me to be… Willing to be used by Him in whichever areas He sees me capable of service for Him… Humility means laying down EVERYTHING – my work, my play, my so-called great achievements, my desires, and even my life – for the glory of His name!! Every service, great or small, every deeds, it’s all for Him…
At the end of the day, it is His name that will be glorified!!
Tuesday, June 14, 2005
THE PEARL!
* Note: This was supposed to be part of Chapter 4… But there were some technical problem, so here’s a delayed one… To all the Ladies In Waiting, be rest assured that ALL will be well with God, if we will surrender every single bit of our life’s pieces into the Hands of our Heavenly King, amen??
The Pearl!
In every oyster there lies the ability
To produce something rare.
Truth like a grain of sand will produce
The pearl that is hidden there.
Young women you are often mocked and scorned
And told you never should have been born.
You wanna run away to hide your hurt
Your heart is wounded, bleeding n torn.
God makes not mistakes
Every life is special.
Every life is planned
Seeds can sprout in the sands.
Open yourselves up to the Spirit of God
Grow in grace and maturity.
But what He wants you to be
Your beauty, your strength lies deep within you.
Young woman, young girl
Open yourselves up to God
Allow Him to reveal your pearl!!
The Pearl!
In every oyster there lies the ability
To produce something rare.
Truth like a grain of sand will produce
The pearl that is hidden there.
Young women you are often mocked and scorned
And told you never should have been born.
You wanna run away to hide your hurt
Your heart is wounded, bleeding n torn.
God makes not mistakes
Every life is special.
Every life is planned
Seeds can sprout in the sands.
Open yourselves up to the Spirit of God
Grow in grace and maturity.
But what He wants you to be
Your beauty, your strength lies deep within you.
Young woman, young girl
Open yourselves up to God
Allow Him to reveal your pearl!!
LADY IN WAITING by debby jones & jackie kendall
Chapter 4: Lady of Virtue
One of life’s most costly and beautiful objects is born out of pain and irritation – the pearl. A tiny piece of sand slips into an oyster’s shell n begins to rub against the soft tissue, causing irritation. In response to the irritation, the oyster produces a hard substance, which eventually develops into one of the world’s most beautiful jewels – a lovely luminous pearl. In fact, the greater the irritation, the more valuable the pearl!!
God is using the sands of singleness to make you perfect and complete. He’s developing pearls of character in your life. He knows that whatever you use to “catch” a guy, you must also use to keep him. If you attract a guy with only your looks, then you're headed for trouble, since looks don’t last. Therefore what you look like on the inside is far more important than what you look like on the outside.
An ugly oyster shell is an unlikely place to find a lovely gem, but Isaiah 55:8 says, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways…” You may see an ugly shell, but God sees the beauty He is creating in you. Are the sands of singleness causing you bitterness right now, or are you allowing these trials to change you into a pearl? The Lord wants you to be a Lady of Virtue – a costly, beautiful pearl for all to admire.
- The Body Beautiful Trap
The key to beauty is found in 1 Peter 3:4 – Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” This kind of beauty can only get better the older it gets. As Jackie once said, “If a man chose me for external beauty, his destiny would be hugging a prune. But if a man chooses me for my internal beauty, his destiny will be unfading beauty even in the twilight years of marriage, becoz of Jesus.”
When you look at the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31:10-31, you will see god’s picture of a beautiful woman. There are 20 verses describing her. Only one verse mentions her outward appearance. If you were to spend 1/20 of your time on outward physical beauty and the other 19/20 on developing the other qualities God describes as beautiful (such as wisdom, kindness n godliness) you would become the excellent woman Proverbs 31:10 says a man should try to find.
- Fit for a King
When you picture the perfect man for you, what is your prince like? Do you see a man devoted to God? A man of character – teachable, loyal, faithful, gentle and kind? What kind of woman do you think this godly man desires to marry – a shallow woman, or a woman full of charm who knows how to dress and capture other men’s attention?
To marry a prince, you must first become a princess. To marry into royalty, you must be appropriately prepared. Even Princess Diana had to go through a period of “waiting & preparing.” Is it any wonder that a heavenly princess must prepare inwardly for the calling to which she will give her life? As you set your attention on developing godly character, Jesus will change you into the beautiful princess He created you to be.
- Stringing Together A Pearl Necklace
Virtue is developed over time as you allow God’s Spirit to do a special work in your life. It is the Holy Spirit, not you, who produces the godly character you seek. These pearls of character are listed in Galatians 5:23-23 as “… love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness & self-control….” As these qualities develop, your life will become like a beautiful necklace strung with the pearls of godly character.
Galatians 5:19-21, however, describes some “beads” with which many singles choose to adorn their lives instead. They are “…immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outburst of anger…” If you desire to be a Lady of Virtue, these beads cannot belong on your necklace.
To remove the bad bead, confess the sin that developed this unattractive quality. Be honest and specific with yourself. After specifically describing the bead that detracts you from your inner beauty, then receive God's forgiveness. You no longer need to feel condemned or guilty because “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” (Ps 103:12)
How does one walk by the Spirit and tap into this pearl-producing power? First, Eph 4:30 says, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.” You grieve or hurt God's Spirit when you choose to think, say or do something that offends God. To tap into pearl-producing power, you must first decide to live a life that will please your Lord in all aspects. From the time you wake in the morning until you go to bed at night, set your heart’s desire on exalting Him.
The second verse is found in 1 Thess 5:19, “Do not quench the Spirit.” When God's Spirit prompts you to do something, give expression to that impression. Don’t douse it with cold water by ignoring His leadership. For example, He may prompt you to perform an act of kindness, or caution you not to say something you are about to say, or lead you to encourage a friend who may be hurting. Whatever it is, seek to obey the Spirit of God in you on a moment-by-moment basis.
Finally, Ephesians 5:18 says, “…be filled with the Spirit.” To be filled, something must first be empty. To be filled by the Spirit, you must be empty of yourself and full of God. You give the Holy Spirit complete and total control of your life. To be a virtuous woman, you must let the Holy Spirit have all of you.
God's Spirit produces true inner beauty as you confess your sins, avoid displeasing God's Spirit, obey even the slightest of His promptings, and give the Holy Spirit full control of your life. Pearls of godly character take time to develop, but how blessed is the woman adorned by them.
You can settle for an imitation necklace of fake pearls, or you can allow the Holy Spirit to use the sands of singleness to create the real thing. If you want genuine pearls, you must allow the Holy Spirit to perform a special work in your life. Determine to string a lovely pearl “necklace of virtue” as a treasure for your Lord.
One of life’s most costly and beautiful objects is born out of pain and irritation – the pearl. A tiny piece of sand slips into an oyster’s shell n begins to rub against the soft tissue, causing irritation. In response to the irritation, the oyster produces a hard substance, which eventually develops into one of the world’s most beautiful jewels – a lovely luminous pearl. In fact, the greater the irritation, the more valuable the pearl!!
God is using the sands of singleness to make you perfect and complete. He’s developing pearls of character in your life. He knows that whatever you use to “catch” a guy, you must also use to keep him. If you attract a guy with only your looks, then you're headed for trouble, since looks don’t last. Therefore what you look like on the inside is far more important than what you look like on the outside.
An ugly oyster shell is an unlikely place to find a lovely gem, but Isaiah 55:8 says, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways…” You may see an ugly shell, but God sees the beauty He is creating in you. Are the sands of singleness causing you bitterness right now, or are you allowing these trials to change you into a pearl? The Lord wants you to be a Lady of Virtue – a costly, beautiful pearl for all to admire.
- The Body Beautiful Trap
The key to beauty is found in 1 Peter 3:4 – Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” This kind of beauty can only get better the older it gets. As Jackie once said, “If a man chose me for external beauty, his destiny would be hugging a prune. But if a man chooses me for my internal beauty, his destiny will be unfading beauty even in the twilight years of marriage, becoz of Jesus.”
When you look at the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31:10-31, you will see god’s picture of a beautiful woman. There are 20 verses describing her. Only one verse mentions her outward appearance. If you were to spend 1/20 of your time on outward physical beauty and the other 19/20 on developing the other qualities God describes as beautiful (such as wisdom, kindness n godliness) you would become the excellent woman Proverbs 31:10 says a man should try to find.
- Fit for a King
When you picture the perfect man for you, what is your prince like? Do you see a man devoted to God? A man of character – teachable, loyal, faithful, gentle and kind? What kind of woman do you think this godly man desires to marry – a shallow woman, or a woman full of charm who knows how to dress and capture other men’s attention?
To marry a prince, you must first become a princess. To marry into royalty, you must be appropriately prepared. Even Princess Diana had to go through a period of “waiting & preparing.” Is it any wonder that a heavenly princess must prepare inwardly for the calling to which she will give her life? As you set your attention on developing godly character, Jesus will change you into the beautiful princess He created you to be.
- Stringing Together A Pearl Necklace
Virtue is developed over time as you allow God’s Spirit to do a special work in your life. It is the Holy Spirit, not you, who produces the godly character you seek. These pearls of character are listed in Galatians 5:23-23 as “… love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness & self-control….” As these qualities develop, your life will become like a beautiful necklace strung with the pearls of godly character.
Galatians 5:19-21, however, describes some “beads” with which many singles choose to adorn their lives instead. They are “…immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outburst of anger…” If you desire to be a Lady of Virtue, these beads cannot belong on your necklace.
To remove the bad bead, confess the sin that developed this unattractive quality. Be honest and specific with yourself. After specifically describing the bead that detracts you from your inner beauty, then receive God's forgiveness. You no longer need to feel condemned or guilty because “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” (Ps 103:12)
How does one walk by the Spirit and tap into this pearl-producing power? First, Eph 4:30 says, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God.” You grieve or hurt God's Spirit when you choose to think, say or do something that offends God. To tap into pearl-producing power, you must first decide to live a life that will please your Lord in all aspects. From the time you wake in the morning until you go to bed at night, set your heart’s desire on exalting Him.
The second verse is found in 1 Thess 5:19, “Do not quench the Spirit.” When God's Spirit prompts you to do something, give expression to that impression. Don’t douse it with cold water by ignoring His leadership. For example, He may prompt you to perform an act of kindness, or caution you not to say something you are about to say, or lead you to encourage a friend who may be hurting. Whatever it is, seek to obey the Spirit of God in you on a moment-by-moment basis.
Finally, Ephesians 5:18 says, “…be filled with the Spirit.” To be filled, something must first be empty. To be filled by the Spirit, you must be empty of yourself and full of God. You give the Holy Spirit complete and total control of your life. To be a virtuous woman, you must let the Holy Spirit have all of you.
God's Spirit produces true inner beauty as you confess your sins, avoid displeasing God's Spirit, obey even the slightest of His promptings, and give the Holy Spirit full control of your life. Pearls of godly character take time to develop, but how blessed is the woman adorned by them.
You can settle for an imitation necklace of fake pearls, or you can allow the Holy Spirit to use the sands of singleness to create the real thing. If you want genuine pearls, you must allow the Holy Spirit to perform a special work in your life. Determine to string a lovely pearl “necklace of virtue” as a treasure for your Lord.
Sunday, June 12, 2005
THIS PAGE IS DEDICATED TO CORINNE!!
Working from home and online has it advantages, hehe… Also the advantage of my streamyx bill being paid by the company I'm working for… Who cares, since it’s paid for, just use it to the fullest, man (wait til my bosses read this, or happens to find out about this)!! I get to chat with friends online whenever it is my break time… Was chatting with Corinne today, as early as 12 a.m. this morning… After chatting for a while, I realized it has already been a year since we knew each other (seems longer than that, tho…) It’s just amazing how God works, bringing two people together… It’s even more amazing when their characteristics and attitude are totally in contrast and yet can still click well…
Being the shy and quite person that I was (and still am a little), I wasn’t very active and vocal in cell… Then, thanks to Camporama 2004, we became closer… Yea, it has been a year ago… Could have celebrated our one-year-friendship in early June if she was here, but it’s ok, as long as the friendship remains in the heart, it doesn’t matter whether or not we celebrated, amen, Corinne?
Camporama 2004 was the first I’ve ever attended… Back then, friends really encouraged me to go for it… Whatever the hurdles, why worry when they have more than enough manpower there? So, I went… And I definitely did not regret a single bit of it… Anyway, Corinne was so sweet as to volunteer to take care of me… As in, wherever I needed to go and whatever help I required, she was there to offer her best… I really thank God she was capable enough to handle me and my wheelchair, especially on rocky grounds… And so, it was then that we got closer…
Since then, she has never failed to cheer me on with her bubbly personality (hey Cor, I'm not trying to “angkat” you here, but it’s definitely true how you could cheer me on with the many stories and updates about yourself… Loads of encouragement there, you know? *winkz*) Whenever I happen to go out with her, it’s just amazing how she could be the motivator… Whoa, salute you for that, man!! Hehe…
Anyway, kinda miss her ler… Hey, faster come back lar!! I don’t care if it’s for a holiday or for good (better still if it’s the latter *smiles cheekily*), as long as I get to meet you again… There are lots of catching up to do ler… But watever your decision will be, I will continue to keep you in my prayers for God’s best for u… Suddenly this verse came to mind and I wanna dedicate it to u… It’s from Jeremiah 29:11 which says “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm u… Plans to give you hope and a future.” Remember that, yea? *winkz* Take care, my friend… God bless you now and forever!!
Being the shy and quite person that I was (and still am a little), I wasn’t very active and vocal in cell… Then, thanks to Camporama 2004, we became closer… Yea, it has been a year ago… Could have celebrated our one-year-friendship in early June if she was here, but it’s ok, as long as the friendship remains in the heart, it doesn’t matter whether or not we celebrated, amen, Corinne?
Camporama 2004 was the first I’ve ever attended… Back then, friends really encouraged me to go for it… Whatever the hurdles, why worry when they have more than enough manpower there? So, I went… And I definitely did not regret a single bit of it… Anyway, Corinne was so sweet as to volunteer to take care of me… As in, wherever I needed to go and whatever help I required, she was there to offer her best… I really thank God she was capable enough to handle me and my wheelchair, especially on rocky grounds… And so, it was then that we got closer…
Since then, she has never failed to cheer me on with her bubbly personality (hey Cor, I'm not trying to “angkat” you here, but it’s definitely true how you could cheer me on with the many stories and updates about yourself… Loads of encouragement there, you know? *winkz*) Whenever I happen to go out with her, it’s just amazing how she could be the motivator… Whoa, salute you for that, man!! Hehe…
Anyway, kinda miss her ler… Hey, faster come back lar!! I don’t care if it’s for a holiday or for good (better still if it’s the latter *smiles cheekily*), as long as I get to meet you again… There are lots of catching up to do ler… But watever your decision will be, I will continue to keep you in my prayers for God’s best for u… Suddenly this verse came to mind and I wanna dedicate it to u… It’s from Jeremiah 29:11 which says “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm u… Plans to give you hope and a future.” Remember that, yea? *winkz* Take care, my friend… God bless you now and forever!!
LADY IN WAITING by debby jones & jackie kendall
Chapter 3: Lady of Faith
- Where the Boys Are
Many single women spend their free time searching for the same kind of location chosen by Orpah. They attend schools because they can “see” the prospects. They join churches based on apparent ratios of men to women. They go to seminars, retreats, and conferences looking for the man of their dreams, only to demand a refund for the nightmare they often find (the ratio of women to men typically registered at retreats being 7 women to every 1 man).
Some women have changed churches because they were in a “no prospective mate” district. Others avoid churches under-stocked with available men. Can you relate? Some single women serve only one term on a mission field n never return because the ratio of available men to women shrinks even smaller on the mission field than their home church. What are we focusing on – the situation or the Sovereign One?
- Chance Rendezvous
A woman who takes the route of Orpah (sensual, logical sight) often invents ways for a “chance rendezvous” with the man of her dreams. She can be seen loitering in the very area that Mr. Right regularly frequents, hoping that he might finally notice her and the romance will begin. Such a woman might sing in the choir, not because she wants to make joyful noise unto the Lord, but because she wants a weekly chance to sit near the prospect (the single man) that her “sensual sight” has focused upon. Such impure thoughts for such a noble cause!
If the Lord wants to give you a man, He does not need your clever “chance rendezvous.” This is not advocating that you avoid men completely. You need to participate in activities that involve men n women, but be sensitive to your motives whenever you find yourself in the presence of “available men.” Consider this Scripture whenever checking your motives, and your pulse! Proverbs 16:2 says, “All men’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.”
You can prevent disappointing moments if you check your heart whenever you go to a singles’ activity. Much preparation (like taking a shower, putting on make-up, styling your hair, doing your nails, n choosing the perfect outfit) precedes one’s attending such activity, yet so little heart preparation does. The girl with sensual sight can become so obsessed with finding her guy that she neglects her inner self. Orpah’s style (logical sight) tends to become the norm, but Ruth offers an alternative to this vain search for Mr. Right. She demonstrates what it means to be a Lady of Faith.
- Eyes of Faith
The International Children’s Bible describes faith in this way: “Faith means being sure of the things we hope for. And faith means knowing that something is real even if we do not see it” (Heb 11:1) Your hope cannot be put in some dreamed-up future. It must be in the God who knows your past, present n future, and loves you enough to give you the best.
Do you long to please Him? Then reconsider your circumstances and realize that what seems to be a hopeless situation (no prospects on the horizon) is just the flipside of the view thru “eyes of faith.” Sometimes in an attempt to be A Lady of Faith, one can get sidetracked trying to hurry the “male order delivery” process.
In order to have “eyes of faith,” you may have to use a spiritual eye wash to remove the debris that the enemy has dropped into your eye. The Lady of Faith will have times when her secure eyes of faith begin to blink into an anxious twitch of insecure, sensual sight. She can admit her insecurity to her Heavenly Fiancé and He can calm the twitching eyes. Spending some quality time in the Word is the best “eye wash” for “eyes of faith.”
- Divine Encounter
If Jesus wants you married, He will orchestrate the encounter. Jesus does have your best interest at heart. He desires to bless you by giving you the best. Consider His wisdom n love in comparison to your own wisdom n self-love. In whom are you going to trust – all Wisdom n Everlasting Love or little ol’ finite you?
- Meeting Across Continents
Your circumstances n geographical location do not threatened God’s will and purpose. Just as God brought Eve to Adam, Rebekah to Isaac, Ruth to Boaz, and someday the Bride of Christ to Himself, He will one day bring Mr. Right to you if you r to be married. This is true regardless of your unique situation. Your location or your occupation may not make you very accessible to available godly men, but these roadblocks do not handicap God. Time n time again, we have had the privilege of watching God bring a wonderful godly guy into the life of a Lady of Faith. He seems to suddenly appear out of nowhere.
You make the most important decision in life, giving your life to Jesus Christ, “by faith.” The second most important decision also demands the element of faith. Waiting for one’s life-mate and then saying “I do” to him demands secure faith, like Ruth’s faith in the God of Israel. Elisabeth Elliot said in Passion & Purity:
“I do know that waiting on God requires the willingness to bear
uncertainty, to carry within oneself the unanswered
question, lifting the heart to God about it
whenever it intrudes on one’s thoughts.”
1 Peter 5:7 says “Cast all your anxiety on Him, for He cares for you.” Just go to Jesus as soon as the intruder arrives. Such a practice will only enhance your life as a Lady of Faith!!
- Where the Boys Are
Many single women spend their free time searching for the same kind of location chosen by Orpah. They attend schools because they can “see” the prospects. They join churches based on apparent ratios of men to women. They go to seminars, retreats, and conferences looking for the man of their dreams, only to demand a refund for the nightmare they often find (the ratio of women to men typically registered at retreats being 7 women to every 1 man).
Some women have changed churches because they were in a “no prospective mate” district. Others avoid churches under-stocked with available men. Can you relate? Some single women serve only one term on a mission field n never return because the ratio of available men to women shrinks even smaller on the mission field than their home church. What are we focusing on – the situation or the Sovereign One?
- Chance Rendezvous
A woman who takes the route of Orpah (sensual, logical sight) often invents ways for a “chance rendezvous” with the man of her dreams. She can be seen loitering in the very area that Mr. Right regularly frequents, hoping that he might finally notice her and the romance will begin. Such a woman might sing in the choir, not because she wants to make joyful noise unto the Lord, but because she wants a weekly chance to sit near the prospect (the single man) that her “sensual sight” has focused upon. Such impure thoughts for such a noble cause!
If the Lord wants to give you a man, He does not need your clever “chance rendezvous.” This is not advocating that you avoid men completely. You need to participate in activities that involve men n women, but be sensitive to your motives whenever you find yourself in the presence of “available men.” Consider this Scripture whenever checking your motives, and your pulse! Proverbs 16:2 says, “All men’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.”
You can prevent disappointing moments if you check your heart whenever you go to a singles’ activity. Much preparation (like taking a shower, putting on make-up, styling your hair, doing your nails, n choosing the perfect outfit) precedes one’s attending such activity, yet so little heart preparation does. The girl with sensual sight can become so obsessed with finding her guy that she neglects her inner self. Orpah’s style (logical sight) tends to become the norm, but Ruth offers an alternative to this vain search for Mr. Right. She demonstrates what it means to be a Lady of Faith.
- Eyes of Faith
The International Children’s Bible describes faith in this way: “Faith means being sure of the things we hope for. And faith means knowing that something is real even if we do not see it” (Heb 11:1) Your hope cannot be put in some dreamed-up future. It must be in the God who knows your past, present n future, and loves you enough to give you the best.
Do you long to please Him? Then reconsider your circumstances and realize that what seems to be a hopeless situation (no prospects on the horizon) is just the flipside of the view thru “eyes of faith.” Sometimes in an attempt to be A Lady of Faith, one can get sidetracked trying to hurry the “male order delivery” process.
In order to have “eyes of faith,” you may have to use a spiritual eye wash to remove the debris that the enemy has dropped into your eye. The Lady of Faith will have times when her secure eyes of faith begin to blink into an anxious twitch of insecure, sensual sight. She can admit her insecurity to her Heavenly Fiancé and He can calm the twitching eyes. Spending some quality time in the Word is the best “eye wash” for “eyes of faith.”
- Divine Encounter
If Jesus wants you married, He will orchestrate the encounter. Jesus does have your best interest at heart. He desires to bless you by giving you the best. Consider His wisdom n love in comparison to your own wisdom n self-love. In whom are you going to trust – all Wisdom n Everlasting Love or little ol’ finite you?
- Meeting Across Continents
Your circumstances n geographical location do not threatened God’s will and purpose. Just as God brought Eve to Adam, Rebekah to Isaac, Ruth to Boaz, and someday the Bride of Christ to Himself, He will one day bring Mr. Right to you if you r to be married. This is true regardless of your unique situation. Your location or your occupation may not make you very accessible to available godly men, but these roadblocks do not handicap God. Time n time again, we have had the privilege of watching God bring a wonderful godly guy into the life of a Lady of Faith. He seems to suddenly appear out of nowhere.
You make the most important decision in life, giving your life to Jesus Christ, “by faith.” The second most important decision also demands the element of faith. Waiting for one’s life-mate and then saying “I do” to him demands secure faith, like Ruth’s faith in the God of Israel. Elisabeth Elliot said in Passion & Purity:
“I do know that waiting on God requires the willingness to bear
uncertainty, to carry within oneself the unanswered
question, lifting the heart to God about it
whenever it intrudes on one’s thoughts.”
1 Peter 5:7 says “Cast all your anxiety on Him, for He cares for you.” Just go to Jesus as soon as the intruder arrives. Such a practice will only enhance your life as a Lady of Faith!!
DISCOVERING MY SPIRITUAL GIFTS...
Hmm, after such a long time of not attending cell, yesterday was a really refreshing time going back there again, hehe… Worship was wonderful, I felt the Lord prompted me about certain things in my life that I had to set straight… The most important point was to trust His Sovereignty, without questioning His time, plans and decisions for my life… It wasn’t much of a heavy sharing, just doing some test on discovering the gifts that each of us have… When we’re done, I really couldn’t believe what my gift was, seriously!! I had the Gift of Missionary and Gift of Helps, both with the same, highest point – 14!! To admit it, I kinda reread the test just to make sure I had on the right and honest answers… Then, the Lord reminded me about the many prophesies that various pastors n speakers had spoken over me… So, why doubt this test? Even visions and dreams from friends has kinda confirmed it, but it all really depends on the timing of God…
Some dreamt that I was walking like normal again, some had visions about me serving God, but the ones that I could remember clearly were 1) a vision about me driving a car… 2) a dream about me in my Rangers uniform, serving young children (which has partly came to past – I am in the Rangers helping out with the youngest age group)… 3) a dream about me joyfully dancing round my dad…
But this vision from Dr. Ananda has remained ever so clear in my head til now… When I was in the line, waiting to be prayed for, I actually felt cold at first, but now at the altar, I was sweating in my palms… Hmm, must be the power of the presence of God, yea? Anyway, when he was praying for me, he asked me, “Do you love Jesus?” Of course I do!! “Do you wanna be a missionary for Him?” Wow, my heart started beating so fast… So, when I said “yes”, he started praying for that desire of mine… Stopping in the middle of his sentences, he said, “I see you driving a car into the villagers, giving charity to the children there…” Whoa!! See that? Two points there: Driving and Children!! I’ve always had the passion for young kids and here he is confirming that in the presence of my family… and the whole congregation!!
Anyway, the test required us to give an honest answer of our experiences as a Christian… The results states that my gift was in the area of Helps & Missionary.
Ø HELPS – The gift of helps is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to invest the talents they have in the life and ministry of other members of the Body, thus enabling those others to increase the effectiveness of their own spiritual gifts.
Mark15:40,41 Luke8:2,3 Acts9:36 Romans16:1,21 Cor12:28
Ø MISSIONARY – The gift of missionary is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to minister whatever other spiritual gifts they have in a second culture.
Acts 8:4 Acts 13:2,3 Acts 22:21 Romans 10:15 1 Cor 9:19-23
My prayer: With God’s help, I will do my best, to serve God, with the Gifts He has given to me, using it to the fullest, for the glory of His Kingdom. Amen!!
Some dreamt that I was walking like normal again, some had visions about me serving God, but the ones that I could remember clearly were 1) a vision about me driving a car… 2) a dream about me in my Rangers uniform, serving young children (which has partly came to past – I am in the Rangers helping out with the youngest age group)… 3) a dream about me joyfully dancing round my dad…
But this vision from Dr. Ananda has remained ever so clear in my head til now… When I was in the line, waiting to be prayed for, I actually felt cold at first, but now at the altar, I was sweating in my palms… Hmm, must be the power of the presence of God, yea? Anyway, when he was praying for me, he asked me, “Do you love Jesus?” Of course I do!! “Do you wanna be a missionary for Him?” Wow, my heart started beating so fast… So, when I said “yes”, he started praying for that desire of mine… Stopping in the middle of his sentences, he said, “I see you driving a car into the villagers, giving charity to the children there…” Whoa!! See that? Two points there: Driving and Children!! I’ve always had the passion for young kids and here he is confirming that in the presence of my family… and the whole congregation!!
Anyway, the test required us to give an honest answer of our experiences as a Christian… The results states that my gift was in the area of Helps & Missionary.
Ø HELPS – The gift of helps is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to invest the talents they have in the life and ministry of other members of the Body, thus enabling those others to increase the effectiveness of their own spiritual gifts.
Mark15:40,41 Luke8:2,3 Acts9:36 Romans16:1,21 Cor12:28
Ø MISSIONARY – The gift of missionary is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to minister whatever other spiritual gifts they have in a second culture.
Acts 8:4 Acts 13:2,3 Acts 22:21 Romans 10:15 1 Cor 9:19-23
My prayer: With God’s help, I will do my best, to serve God, with the Gifts He has given to me, using it to the fullest, for the glory of His Kingdom. Amen!!
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