Learning Curve

Before I went to Indonesia last week, I did web check-in and guess what, my printer was out of ink and it was 10.15pm. I got to wake up at 5.30pm to catch a bus to LCCT. So, quickly I called a friend and headed off to her house to print. Her printer, which was working perfectly well the night before, was jammed up and not working. After trying for half an hour, I called another friend nearby and headed off to her house, only found out I could't reprint my boarding pass (despite clicking the reprint button few times). Panic striked. But nothing could be done. So I headed home. Before I slept, I prayed and peace came. The song "How Great is Our God" kept lingering all through the night, even in the morning when I woke up. I knew God is in control, despite all these unexpected things. I arrived at airport on time, the queue was short and I managed to get my boarding pass reprinted over the counter. Had I not let go the night before, and choose to worry, I wouldn't have a good nite sleep.

In life, we can look after certain ppl in our lives. It comes to a point of time where you know it's time to let go of them and let them grow. It's not that you abandon them, but you know that their wings hv grown bigger, stronger and it's time for them to spread their wings else where, b'coz the nest is just too small for them..to ruffle. Can't deny the nest is comfortable and warm, just that they may feel out of place. Yeah, letting go maybe painful for some of us, but if it's for the better of the person, it's good to be so. Won't you agree?

Posted in: My Story on Sunday, December 27, 2009 at at 3:53 PM 0 comments

Had a pre-Christmas holiday last weekend across the sea. It was short but memorable and there were lots of things shared in the span of 3 days, to catch up on each other life stories of the past 5 years.

What touched me most are her stories, of her sister and hubby's salvation, her willingness to do things that are out of her comfort zone and very un-her. The unexpected yet impactful things happened to others because of her willingness and obedience. The joy and the comfort that she brought to others..beyond description. Her perseverance in praying for others and for situations that were frustrating and yet beyond controls. The way God answered her prayer encouraged my heart very much, of His grace and His love.

Above all, I miss the little girl, who remembered me as Aunty "Mui Moon". My colourful lopipop bribed my "right" to enter her room. Miss her round bright eyes and her constant crashing in to my room to flash herself after shower tickled me..Amazing level of energy.:)

Posted in: My Story on Saturday, December 26, 2009 at at 10:18 PM 0 comments

I'm amazed by how God works..esp for these two weeks. Someone was awaken at the very hour which I woke up, and interceded for me. Attended a seminar, and an illustration was used which reminded me of the same illustration given to me 11 years back in Australia. A long awaited report turned out good as well. The song "Lord I am amazed by You, Lord I am amazed by You, how You love me" kept lingering in my mind for the past few days.

Another level of faith. Another deeper level of trust and believe. I am His work in progress. To be modified and refined, for His glory.

Giants along the ways. Quote Max Lucado, "Focus on Giants, you stumble. Focus on God, your giants tumble".

Posted in: My Story on Sunday, November 15, 2009 at at 9:57 PM 0 comments

Abide with Me
If I find myself in the middle of the battlefield of life, with no weapon in possession and no help in sight, I can take comfort in the victory of your presence. I can lose all that I have amassed from this life and all that I have called mine in this fading world, and yet be the victor because you are with me.


Though my enemies bury my nose into the ground and kick dirt into my face, yet victory is mine, because you are with me. If you will abide with me through the deepest valleys of life, though no one else will accompany me to those pits of darkness, I will live and will surely not die.


I ask not for vengeance, I ask not for vindication. I ask only for your presence, your company, your comfort. Even if I have to go where no human presence can be found, where there is only darkness and sorrow and doom, your presence will be my deepest consolation.



Sherman Kuek



O help of the helpless, abide with me...

Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.


Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
Earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O thou who changest not, abide with me.


I fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if thou abide with me.


Help of the helpless, O abide with me...

Posted in: Articles on Thursday, October 15, 2009 at at 10:02 PM 0 comments

It's been a while, I have not blogged. Busy with work, busy attending back-to-back weddings, etc.

Last saturday, woke up at 4.30am, the song, "we walk the land, with hearts of fire, and every steps, will be a prayer,.." Yeah, it was the morning to meet at 6am to run for the nation. The prayer walk in Cheras. Our group covered Cuepacs area, an area full of nice houses and few schools. Despite the lots of car and steep uphill to our final point, the walk was really meaningful. It's not an ordinary walk. It's a walk to pray for Cheras community. Felt good and felt being energised, despite only had less than 5 hour sleep, and a late OT the night before. Being able to set a side time for things other than self-focus and work-focus..it's something energising and something that I don't normally do previously.

Season of change..for a better...a year of God's possibilities.

Posted in: My Story on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 at at 10:43 PM 0 comments

I am currently reading "The Upside of Adversity", by Os Hilman.

Here's what I took away about what to do when you are in black hole situation?

1. Ask God if there are any sins, habits, or attitudes that He might be judging in our life
2. Trust God when we enter a black hole
3. Black hole is to refine and define us, so that we can influence others
4. Ask God for grace to endure trial, like Joseph
5. Learn to lean on God
6. Alert to new truth and new perspective
7. Live each day to the fullest. Don’t live in the past

Posted in: Attitude on Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at at 11:13 PM 0 comments

Came across a poem "Trusting God to answer Our Prayer"

I asked God for strength, that I might achieve
I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey
I asked God for health, that I might do greater things
I was given infirmity, that I might do better things
I asked for riches that I might be happy
I was given poverty, that I might be wise
I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men
I was give weakness, tat I might feel the need of God
I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life
I was given life , that I might enjoy all things
I got nothing that I asked for but everything I had hope for
Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered
I am, among men, most richly blessed.

Posted in: Articles on at at 11:11 PM 0 comments

Everybody desires acceptance. In seeking to be accepted, we need to accept others as well. Too often, we seek one way,ie being accepted. But often, it works both ways. Acceptance enables us and others to soar on greater heights, and rise up to greater potential.

It's something that I have learnt. It's something I have to relearn again. It's not easy, when we look inwardly...I have to admit. But hey, forget the past, and strain towards the goal that set forth right? A conscious decision...I have to say.

Posted in: Attitude on Saturday, July 18, 2009 at at 10:11 AM 0 comments

Crazy deadlines, too much on the plate, endless phone calls to seek help, endless system problems, endless queries, working round the clock to meet the midnight deadline....It's been a crazy week. I ran like a mad woman. Never in my life felt so so stretched before. Never in my life felt such a burning anger...it's a struggle..between what i believe and the realty.

Lord, is this really what He has installed for me? God, where is You sceptor of favour? Where is the breakthrough that I have been waiting? How long shall I wait? I felt like standing on a sinking sand...grapping hold of anything that comes along the way.

It's so easy to give up. It's never easy to stay afloat and hang in there. Peace and strength are what I desire most. And there's only one place I can draw from. The ONLY place.

Posted in: My Story on Sunday, July 12, 2009 at at 10:12 AM 0 comments

Everyone has their own giants to face. Sometimes, it's so overwhelming that you are not sure whether you carry on. You doubt about yourself. You doubt about God too. "Where are You, God?" " Why does this thing happen to me?"

Sometimes, the breakthrough is just few steps away. But we just can't see it. How many extra miles do we need to go further? Not sure.

Recently been feeling down and overwhelming with things. Anger, frustration, doubt and discouragement. You name it. I walked into a Salvation bookshop one day, and there, a sermon was broadcasted in the shop, just-in time for me to catch the sentence, "Our job is to trust God. That is. Nothing else. The rest is his job." How true and applicable it was to my situation. I had tried all means, and nothing can be done. I was angry and discouraged, and was thinking alternative ways to resolve the thing. But all in vain. And I have to agree that our job is to trust God. Nothing else. Not even myself.

The Lord says fear not for He is with me. Greater that He is in me than that he is in the world. If you have watched the movie, "Facing the Giant", you will know that perseverance and focus will lead to breakthrough. The focus is on God. "If we win, we praise God. If we loose, we praise God too."

Tough, but it is possible. What's your Giant? Lay it before Him. Trust Him too.

Posted in: Attitude on Friday, June 26, 2009 at at 9:51 PM 0 comments

I was in Beijing last whole week attending 3 days training, and then extended 3 days stay in this historical place. During the week, I met up with friends that I wanted to meet and have not met for 5 years. One of them actually made an effort to meet me despite his busy schedule (coz throughout the dinner, he kept receiving phone calls from office, and he told me he couldn't remember when was the last time he had dinner at 7pm). And the rest of the friends...it's amazing to see how their kids have grown up, and all of them are so cute!

Most of the time, I went sightseeing on my own. The audio autoguides were my good companion, giving me lots of information and narration. At Temple of Heaven, there's this Indian guy, newly graduated and staying in Shanghai for the past few mths, became my photo buddy at that place and even guided me how to walk to the nearest subway! At Summer Palace, met a couple who was looking for the same plc as I did, and they become my friends, offer to take photos for me and walked with me. The day before I left, I joined a local tour to the Great Wall, Mutianyu, and I met 2 couples from USA. Nice people. Won't hesitate to offer to help me with taking photos. I enjoyed their company very much.

Upon return to KLIA, I realised that I was short of RM5 to buy the KLIA express, and asked the staff where was the nearest ATM machine. A gentlemen overheard, asked how much was I short of, and extended a RM5 note to me. What a great help, coz it was the last train and would be arriving in 10 minutes.

All in all, favour of God all through the journey.

Posted in: My Story on Saturday, May 30, 2009 at at 6:33 PM 0 comments

Sometimes, we are in a situation where our action means well, but the receiver thinks otherwise, and you wonder why cant the person see your point of view. It happens in all relationships, be it at home, at workplace, and everywhere whenever you have human interaction.

Recently been through this phase. An action which I meant well to remind someone, was mistaken as making a fuss. An action which I meant to clarify, was taken as criticism. Despite the usage of right word and right mannerism, the misunderstanding couldn't seem to be avoided. Am I offended? Yes, of course. Am I hurt? I can't deny. But I have decided to choose to forgive and overlook the offense. After all, what good will it be to hold? And if I choose not to let go and forgive, I will most properly be repeating the offended feelings to many ppl, and the feelings will still remain there. It's not natural to choose forgiveness, but it's an effort to make the decision. Choosing forgiveness doesn't mean you have lost the battle, but it is the opposite. The gain? Inner peace.

Posted in: Attitude on Thursday, April 30, 2009 at at 7:11 PM 0 comments

Into Your hands
I commit again, with all I have for You Lord
You hold my world in the palm of Your hand
And I am Yours forever

Jesus I believe in You
Jesus I belong to You
YOu are the reason that I live
The reason that I'll sing
With all I am

I walk with You
Wherever You go
Through tears and joy
I trust in YOu
And I believe, in all of your ways
your promises, forever

Jesus I believe in You
Jesus I belong to You
You are the reason that I live
The reason that I'll sing
with all I am.

Posted in: Attitude on Saturday, April 11, 2009 at at 10:50 PM 0 comments

This week is a long weekend. But, my body alarm clock doesn't seem to be:). Woke up at 6am yesterday. Drove out from home at 8.30am..and guess what..caught in a massive jam. The police were setting up road block to check the vehicles..the prevent people from attending the demonstration.

Yesterday was a whole new discovery and experience for me. Observed and understand the volunteers to teach English in a confined hall. 6 classes were held simulatenously and no particiant in between. Imagine the noice level and heat. My friend and I decided to dig our hands into one of the classes. We helped the students to focus and read. Real test of patience. But it's a whole new experience. Real application of what I have learnt in TESOL. But I quite like the experience.

A season of stepping out of comfort zone...and rise up to the opened door.

Posted in: My Story on Sunday, March 8, 2009 at at 8:14 AM 0 comments

Heart longs for peace & joy
Soul desires refreshment and strengthening
Only in You, my heart finds security
Only in You, that I put my total trust
Only You, my Shepherd that I will follow
be it in the quiet pasture, or by the gentle stream

I want to sing....

Refresh my heart Lord
Renew my love
Pour Your spirit into my soul
Refresh my heart
You set me apart Lord
To make me new
By Your spirit life me up Lord
Refresh my heart

I will worship You Lord
With all of my heart
And I will follow You Lord
Refresh my heart

Posted in: My Story on Saturday, February 28, 2009 at at 9:26 PM 0 comments

My thoughts:

We like to be in control in many ways and different level. Some people are more control freak then the other, some like to be in control in certain areas which are different from others. When we go through hard times, we want to get out from the situation soonest possible (which is natural) by trying to be God. But many times, God want us to surrender, totally to Him: to have great attitude while waiting for His deliverance. I identify with the following devotion about relationship: it's natural when you are hurt by someone, you will hurt the person back. But God wants us to do the opposite. Yes, there's an incident which I was very angry with someone. I can choose to go around murmur/ justify my action by talking badly about the person. But when I surrender myself to God, I decided to resolve the issue with the person, even though from my perspective the person was at wrong. I started the conversation by asking the person for forgiveness for being angry and then told the person what was I angry about. The obedience and surrender close the door for the enemy, but restore the relationship. I can submit to my pride "why should I do it. It's not my fault." But I choose to submit to God. It may look/sound silly. But it has definitely brought peace, with myself, with other and with God.

So, enjoy reading the devotion.

*****************************************************************************
The Practice of Surrender
Purpose Driven Life daily Devotion
2009/02/23


“If people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want. They must be willing even to give up their lives to follow me.” Matthew 16:24 (NCV)
*** *** *** ***

Paul’s moment of surrender occurred on the Damascus road after he was knocked down by blinding light. For others, less drastic methods are needed to get our attention.Regardless, surrendering is never just a one-time event.Paul said, “I die daily” (1 Corinthians 15:31 NASB).

There is a moment of surrender and there is the practice of surrender, which is moment-by-moment and lifelong. The practice of surrender requires perseverance; you may have to re-surrender your life fifty times a day: “If people want to follow me, they must give up the things they want. They must be willing even to give up their lives [daily] to follow me” (Matthew 16:24 NCV).

Let me warn you: When you decide to live a totally surrendered life, that decision will be tested. Sometimes it will mean doing inconvenient, unpopular, costly, or seemingly impossible tasks.It will often mean doing the opposite of what you feel like doing.

“Those who are living by their natural inclinations have their minds on the things human nature desires; those who live in the Spirit have their minds on spiritual things” (Romans 8:5 NJB).

We are, by nature, self-centered. When hurt by someone, your natural inclination is to hurt back.It is natural to hoard money instead of generously sharing it, to defend yourself when criticized, to hide your mistakes instead of confessing them, and to try to impress others. You can usually figure out what will please God by doing the opposite of your natural inclination.

Bill Bright founded Campus Crusade for Christ. Through the worldwide Crusade staff, his tract “The Four Spiritual Laws,” and the “JESUS” film (seen by over one billion people), it’s estimated that over 150 million people have come to Christ and will spend eternity in heaven.

I once asked Bill, “Why did God use and bless your life so much?” He said, “When I was a young man I made a contract with God.I literally wrote it out and signed my name at the bottom.It said ‘From this day forward, I am a slave of Jesus Christ.’”

Have you signed a contract like that with God? Or, are you still arguing and struggling with God over his right to do with your life as he pleases?

It is time to surrender – to God’s grace, love, and wisdom

Posted in: Articles on Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at at 6:32 AM 0 comments

Time really flies. From Christmas to New Year, to Chinese New Year. Many things have happened. Swamped with busy deadlines, and now finally,the slower pace kicks in.

Fo the past 3 months.....

*Lots of dependant on God for wisdom at workplace

*See beyond the weakness of a friend, asking her for forgiveness despite my agitation over her actions during a presentation. In obedience over the prompting. Amazed by how God works when both of us asking forgiveness with each other. Restoration and peace in place. When we see beyond the weakness, and start to focus on the strengths of others, you will be amazed that it brings out the best in others. They seem to "rise up" to the expectation.

*Tremendous sense of peace despite shortage of time in preparation for my TESOL exam. Thankful for the extended help by a friend. On the day of exam, as I woke up, the song "Jesus I believe in You" came to my mind, and as I sang, I felt challenged to totally trust & believe in Him. During the exam, esp the practicum, I fumbled a bit, but overall it went well. I overcame the butterfly in the stomach.:)

Posted in: My Story on Sunday, February 22, 2009 at at 9:08 PM 0 comments

I was in Hanoi a few days back for business trip. The trip was fruitful. Agenda and objectives were met. In addition to that, I had great time exploring more of the city together with my colleague.

English is not widely spoken in Vietnam. Some of them understand a little bit, but communicating in English was a challenge. It really tested my lingustic skill, especially when we asked the direction to a place which I googled and found out. Not too bad, I would say, as most of the time, it's sign language and gesture. We explored a food stall near the roadside, with squatting table and chairs. We tried going around the Old Quarter in trishaw for an hour, stopping by in between to check-out some stuff. We managed to buy some winter clothings for our love one, and managed to bagain for lower price for one of the items, as well as getting new stocks rather than the displayed. We went in to watch the Water Puppet show, one of the famous attractions in Hanoi, where we were surrounded by lots of European. Fantastic show...only it's a bit too long...an hour.

There is a huge demand for English in Vietnam. The last visit, I saw Petronas offered scholarship for final year university students to study English, part of their corp social responsibility program. This time, I saw Australian government advertised for English teacher to teach the Vietnamese Arm Force.

The road in Hanoi was very busy that week, as Chinese New Year is approaching. People went around to deliver gifts. Was amazed too by the long stretch of flowers and lime trees for sale along the road. Even more amazed that the Vietnamese tied huge pots of flowers and trees at the back of their motorcycle, and still able to weez thru the road swiftly.

Weather at this time was cooling and at night a little bit chilly.

Posted in: My Story on Saturday, January 24, 2009 at at 9:56 PM 0 comments