The Write Stuff

I Think of You

Mon, 06 May 2013 18:37:51 +0800

I Think of You

Laura Story

When I think of sunlight piercing through the clouds

That paint a perfect sky

I think of the silver lining of Your love

And I think of You

When I think of streams that weave through desert lands

As beauty comes alive

I think of the healing fountain of Your grace in my life

In my life

And I think of You who shines with endless light

Through broken jars of clay

And I think of You redeeming every part of each day

That you’ve made

And I think of you

When I think of children laughing full of wonder

And families reconciled

I think of the joy that’s found in answered prayer

And it makes me smile

Makes me smile

And I think of You who shines with endless light

Through broken jars of clay

And I think of You redeeming every part of each day

That You’ve made

And I think of You

For redemption’s now the story of my soul

‘Cause it was You who paid the highest price

For broken jars of clay

And You still choose to use my life

For Your glory displayed

And I think of You who shines with endless light

Through broken jars of clay

And I think of You redeeming every part of each day

That You’ve made

And I think of You

I think of You

The Slide

Mon, 06 May 2013 18:20:00 +0800

I was at a playground in Cameron Highlands just last month, and I remember being afraid when I stood atop the colourful wooden slide. My five year old playmate urged me to follow after him, and after he had gone ahead, I hesitated to do exactly that which came so naturally to me as a child - just slide on my butt with the exhilarating sensation of speed and wind in my face. Even when I did finally convince myself to (it would’ve been silly not to!), I held on to the sides the whole way and quickly stood up before fully reaching the end of the course. What a safe, boring and killjoy way to play on a slide - my five year old self would’ve lamented!

As children, we were boundless, creative, fun and fearless. What happened over the years? Has growing up really made us so conservative and calculated in our actions, to a point where we lose spontaneity and suck the joy and meaning out of life?

Spending time with children over the past six months have opened my eyes to see that there is so much wisdom when Jesus says we have to come to him like children. If only we would have the humility to continue to learn from them, and in some ways, unlearn our perspective that has been hardened and jaded through the years.

The Start of Something New

Wed, 01 May 2013 23:07:44 +0800

What’s worse than Sunday night blues?

Six months without Sunday night blues!

***

It has been an amazing six months of not working. I’ve learnt new skills, such as emceeing my first (church) event and babysitting (and caught glimpses of parenthood and the perspective of children), relearned old skills (Adobe Illustrator all over again for church design work, helped paint a mural), had plenty of long lunches with mom & Sl, travelled on a cruise ship to Portugal, Morocco, Tenerife (part of the Canary Islands), Spain (Madeira, Seville and Barcelona, to be more exact), another holiday in Melbourne, bid my sister farewell as she left for studies, felt the despair and desperation of joblessness and questioned my self-worth many a time, prayed more than before with Groupie and on my own, read books indulgently, played so much Ipod games, slept so much (and enjoyed every bit of it), jogged more than ever before (personal record, 4km! Not much, but it’s a start), went for job interviews and faced rejection, had lunches with ex-colleagues who I believe will be friends for life, saw a close friend lose her baby (and realised that every child born into this world is a miracle and a blessing from God), helped mom with her Nepal mission trip, visited friends in hospital to encourage them. Learned that being a friend means being a listening ear, shoulder to cry on and heart to pray for that friend through thick and thin, and anytime, anywhere. Learnt more about youth ministry and mentoring, and attempted to mentor and listen more intentionally. Answered prayers - a job call when I needed encouragement, new friends at AYLC when I prayed so hard for them. Being able to see PwP at work - that was such a blessing for me - my heart just goes out to these children and the work. Continue to guide us in this area and help us be a blessing to others, especially those who need Your love and help every day.

I realise that God allows us to work because that’s what we’re made to do. Without it, we feel so purposeless - like we’re not productive! However, I realise that with or without my job, God loves me and values me the same. My self worth does not depend on my job status, but it does make me a better steward with the talents, skills and experience He’s given me. I’ve learnt that this period of time has tested and continues to teach me patience, and waiting on God. It’s so hard to wait - and so hard to not insist on what I think is best, but to to yield control to God.

I’ve seen God work in miraculous ways these six months. Healing my church aunty through fourth stage peritoneal cancer, seen the power of hope in a living God through my friend who lost her first child at nine months, God’s sovereign timing and plans played out in my soon to be missionary friend being provided for through answered prayers and opened doors, God’s providence for a friend who got a job all in immaculate fashion. How God tests our faith through trials. How God moves in our cell group, moving our members to tears through their different circumstances. How God has blessed me so much with the financial ability to withstand six months of bumming, and supportive family, boyfriend and friends. How blessed I am to love the youths and be loved by them. How blessed to spend time with little ones and to be loved so unconditionally by them - that’s why You desire such faith Father. I am always still learning and may I continue to have the humility to keep learning.

I still fail in many areas - temptations and trials that continue to test and overcome me at times. Unrighteous anger, selfishness, envy, covetousness, pride, jealousy, hatred, being judgmental and calculative… just to name a few of the flaws and sin in my life.

Father help me to continue to love you first and like a child - wholeheartedly, unashamedly, honestly and unconditionally. Help me to listen to your gentle Spirit prompting, and to obey because I love You, no matter how hard it is.

I thank You for how You have helped me deepen my prayer life just a wee bit. I know I have a long way more, but I am so encouraged that at least, it’s a start.

May 1st, 2013. What will the rest of the year bring?

Teach me to number my days aright that I may gain a heart of wisdom. Every day is an opportunity to develop, to learn, to cherish, to bless. Help me to walk in your ways, live a Spirit-filled, Spirit-led life.

May I not be afraid to make mistakes, take risks and to learn (and the humility to admit I need help), the thick-skinnedness and will to say no where necessary and the wisdom to know the difference.

Old Wounds

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 23:10:33 +0800

Some people are able to hurt you in ways that only they can and as much as I fight it, my weaknesses are exposed whenever these people make hurtful remarks. Perhaps there still are many insecurities within me that cry out to be resolved… I am all too familiar with them. But accepting them, and resolving to overcome them with Christ’s love…. that is my continual task.

Lord, help me forgive.

O Master grant that I may never seek

So much to be consoled, as to console

To be understood, as to understand

To be loved, as to love with all my soul.

Make me a channel of Your peace.

prettycolors: #13ecb9 fave colour at the mo - mint green :)

Sun, 21 Apr 2013 00:57:49 +0800

prettycolors:

#13ecb9

fave colour at the mo - mint green :)

"Because God has made us for Himself, our hearts are restless until they rest in Him."

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 04:04:07 +0800

“Because God has made us for Himself, our hearts are restless until they rest in Him.”

- Augustine (via churchjanitor)

Keys to faith.

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 04:04:04 +0800

churchjanitor:

A heart without a mind will eventually lose faith when doubt occurs, so dive into the Word.
A mind without a heart will become cynical when pain occurs, so find time to worship, pray, and mediate on God.
A heart and a mind will remain faithful through times of doubt and trial, so ask God to help you grow both these keys to faith.

"The truth is, what we call interruptions are precisely our real life, the life God is sending us day..."

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 04:03:54 +0800

“The truth is, what we call interruptions are precisely our real life, the life God is sending us day by day.”

- C.S. Lewis (via churchjanitor)

Always remember God as my anchor through life’s...

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 03:38:54 +0800

Always remember God as my anchor through life’s uncertainties. Constant, strong, secure and steady.

Remembering the Lamb of God. Jesus who lived and gave up his...

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 03:36:26 +0800

Remembering the Lamb of God. Jesus who lived and gave up his perfect life. His death for our lives, his sorrow for our joy.

Voice for the voiceless, hope for the hopeless. Lord, help me...

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 03:34:28 +0800

Voice for the voiceless, hope for the hopeless. Lord, help me have a heart, a burden for the lost and the marginalised.

Photo

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 03:32:08 +0800

Reminder to always be do-gooders!

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 03:29:21 +0800

Reminder to always be do-gooders!

Photo

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 03:28:46 +0800

The Complex Life of a Church Janitor.: The Everyday Things.

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 03:23:13 +0800

The Complex Life of a Church Janitor.: The Everyday Things.:

churchjanitor:

If I were to look at my life from God’s perspective, what would I see? It’s kind of a scary question when one thinks about it. With all my faults exposed and my frailties laid bare, I think I would ask how God could possibly love me. On the other hand, I feel that I would see my actions from a…

The Complex Life of a Church Janitor.: Selfish Religion.

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 03:12:00 +0800

The Complex Life of a Church Janitor.: Selfish Religion.:

churchjanitor:

I attended a lecture this week that was by no means groundbreaking in originality, but immensely refreshing to hear. In the midst of a discussion about parables, my Bible professor noted, “A faith that is centered upon getting into heaven is the most selfish form of religion. I do not understand…

Key points for me:

- Salvation is an unfolding reality that involves the entirety of a person.

- Redemption must involve life at this moment.

- Ignoring the immediacy of the Gospel makes faith about the self rather than about God.

- Realise that God offers every person a chance to partner with him each moment in the making of all things new.

The Complex Life of a Church Janitor.: Where do I go?

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 03:04:41 +0800

The Complex Life of a Church Janitor.: Where do I go?:

churchjanitor:

Over the past few days, a passage from John has repeatedly popped into my mind. It’s not a particularly long exchange, but the concepts related to the verses are immensely important. After Jesus discusses the Holy Spirit, John notes:

At this point many of his disciples turned away and deserted…

"God never called us to be successful, but he calls us to be faithful."

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 03:02:20 +0800

“God never called us to be successful, but he calls us to be faithful.”

- David Van Heemst (via churchjanitor)

"Each day I must ask myself a pivotal question: Did I help bring heaven to earth today?"

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 03:02:08 +0800

“Each day I must ask myself a pivotal question: Did I help bring heaven to earth today?”

- Recent thought. (via churchjanitor)

For 2013...

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 03:00:51 +0800

churchjanitor:

Lord,

As this year unfolds, I ask that one truth will be evident in my life: You must become greater and greater, while I become less and less. I pray that this thought of John will characterize my thoughts. I seek that this action will inform my actions. May my words echo with these words. Thank you.

Amen.