Learning Curve

Today is new year eve. While most people go out for countdown and partying, I decided to stay home and rest, reflect and plan for next year.

As I take stock on the last day of the year, I can only say wow and giving thanks. I give thanks for the breakthrough in financial and health, inner healings, faith stretching experience, making new friends and deepening existing friendship. It's indeed a year of enlargement for me, mentally, spiritually and emotionally.

I remember beginning of this year, as I prayed and set my new year resolutions, two verses speak to me very much:

"be joyful always, pray continuously, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God." (1 Thel 5:16-18)

"lead a quiet life, mind own business and work with hand" (1 Thel 4:1)

While I have yet to set my next year new year resolution, what I desire most is to touch lives with all my endevours. From inward to outward. From within to without.

Happy New Year to all.

Posted in: My Story on Wednesday, December 31, 2008 at at 9:47 PM 0 comments

Ever felt yourself chained and bound, limited and restricted, especially when things get tougher and bleak? God reminded me of the account of Paul and Barnabas in the prison. Instead of dwelling in self-pitiness, unfairness and bitterness, they praised God in the prison. Yes, right where they were. And the prison door was opened. I felt challenged to learn and apply the same in all my situations, ie to praise Him.

So, here's the song for this season that I would like to share with all of you:

On My Lips
(c)2002 Darren Morehouse & Ross Parsley

All the chains are broken
I have been set free
Every word you've spoken
Is watching over me
So how can I stay silent
When I hear You call my name
Living in Your presence
I'll never be the same

I've been found in You
Now I'll sing out Your truth

On my lips there's a shout of praise
Now I'm gonna dance for all my days
because I've seen the wonder of Your loving ways
So much joy here in Your embrace
Makes me want to sing and celebrate
Because I've seen the wonder of amazing grace

Posted in: Attitude on Monday, December 29, 2008 at at 9:00 PM 0 comments

It's Christmas Eve today. It has been a busy day today, working through budgets and trying to do last minute changes. Had dinner with family, and with turkey.

This Christmas sees

the passing away of a dear friend's husband;
last minute shopping and midnight gift wrapping;
my return to corporate world after 3 years;
working late on Christmas Eve while most people are on hols and knocking off early;
having no program on the Eve;
appreciating little2 gifts and lunches;
celebrating good health

Christmas isn't Christmas till it happens in our heart, ie inviting Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, experiencing His matchless love, and be assured that we are secured in Him despite the financial storm.

I enjoy the quietness and self-reflection, giving thanks and counting my blessings.

Posted in: My Story on Wednesday, December 24, 2008 at at 9:39 PM 0 comments

For those of us who feel dry and low...desert season can be lonely and painful, but take heart, God still loves you. Song of encouragement for you..

From Desert Song (c) 2008 Brooke Fraser/Hillsong

This is my prayer in the desert
When all that's within me feels dry
This is my prayer in hunger and need
My God is the God who provides

This is my prayer in the fire
in weakness or trial or pain
There's a faith proved of more worth than gold
so refine me Lord through the flame

This is my prayer in the battle
When triumph is still on its way
I am a conqueror and co-heir with Christ
So firm on His promise I'll stand

I will bring praise (x2)
No weapon formed against me shall remain
I will rejoice, I will declare
God is My Victory and He is here

Posted in: My Story on Monday, December 8, 2008 at at 10:15 PM 0 comments

It's been a while since I last blogged. Busy schedules, busy deadlines, not to mention challenges, and yes, stress. Like swimming in choppy sea, out towards the deep sea. No knowing what lies ahead. Not knowing what likes underneath either.

But through all these, I felt being challenged as to whom/what do I believe? My past experience? My talents? My colleagues? My friends? My circumstances? No. I felt God wants me to believe and trust in Him. Total trust. Despite my feelings and negative thoughts, unfavourable circumstances. Being a melancholics, I want to be in control in some ways. But, there are times, I realise, to let go is better. Be it unforgiveness. Be it pride. Be it fear. Be it shame.

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. The world tells you, "You need to see it to believe it". But God says, "Only as you believe it will you ever see it". Yeah, sometimes we limit ourselves by looking at ourselves, but God wants us to live with faith and expectancy, not our small thinking. We don't need to figure out things/ how to solve problems, and wonder how God will bring to pass. Our job is to be a believer. If we can see the invisible, God will do the impossible. [Quote form Joel Osteen "Your Best Life Now"]

So, start to believe that you are an overcomer in Christ, because God said so. Start to believe that He who begins the good work in you will bring to completion, because He said so. Start to believe all things work together for those who love Him, because He said so. It doesn't mean less troubles/ opposition, but you know you have Him throughout. He is trustworthy and praiseworthy.

Posted in: Attitude on Saturday, December 6, 2008 at at 4:48 PM 0 comments