It is Not a Coincidence [II]

If you refer to my previous entry, you might think that I would be writing about KF today. However, there are a lot of incidences in our lives that do not just happen to be that way. In everything decision that we have made, whether wise or unwise, it is not by coincidence. Likewise, in every action that we take, whether intentionally or unintentionally, it happens for a reason.

There are a lot of times we would have self-doubt, as to the decision or steps that we have taken. We might even feel confused as to our decision or steps, and at times we might even ponder WHY things happened the way it did. IF we take another step, would the outcome be different? WHERE do we go from here? Do we correct a wrong with another wrong? Do we just go with the flow? WHAT do we need to do so that things would turn out to be the best out of the worst situations? HOW can we achieve that?

Am I making sense here?

Now this is an unrelated story:

There is a BBQ Party in conjunction of celebrating the Mooncake Festival last Saturday. I was contemplating myself whether to attend this event as I know that I would be very very tired, and seriously in need of a good rest. Out of the blue, I just asked a good friend of mine whether she would be interested to join the event. I did not expect a positive answer at all, as I was just 'simply' asking.

Hours later, she sms me and asked for the details regarding the event. Frankly, I was taken by surprise. I really never thought that she would agree to come, but she did. Praise the Lord, for another seed is planted on her.

I wonder when the harvest would be. I really hope that the day is coming soon. I remember inviting her to my previous Church's musical night. If I remember correctly, that was the first time she attended a Church event with me. This is the third time that she joins me. I hope that she would be able to see that God has been watching her all this while.

I believe her presence last Saturday was NOT a coincidence. I pray hard that Salvation would reach her, and her heart would be open for the Lord to enter and do wonders in her life. There is a Chinese saying: One member of the family is saved, the WHOLE FAMILY would be saved.

May God bless you abundantly, SJY!

Touched [I]

[Canon in D]

Step by step, the Bride walks along the aisle and there goes the start of the wedding ceremony...

I attended a "stranger's" wedding this morning. It is strange that when I enter the Church I do not feel awkward at all. In fact, I feel as though I am welcomed into the Lord's family. I still remember when I first attended a new Church many years ago, I felt so heavy...

Although I do not know the couple getting married today, I was close to tears looking at how a lovely couple being united in God's presence. It is truly a blessing for the couple as well as those who attended the wedding to be able to experience how the Love of God unites all of us.

The Brothers and Sisters in the Church are very warm too.. I even took photo with the couple. I felt so free and light from the second I entered the Church. It it truly a great experience for me. God has once again showed me that He is AGAPE!

Letting Go [I]

At some point in our lives, we will meet with incidences or people that hold us tightly to the extent that the thought of letting go is just so impossible. It could be our bad habits. It could be our own stubbornness. It could be our hobby. It could be our friends. It could be ANYTHING.

Recently I found out that it is possible to let go of things that once bound us. For instance, I used to love watching the television a lot. When I was young, I would do my homework whilst watching the television programmes. I would be so obsessed with a drama or show that I would tell my friends not to call me during that time because I want to enjoy the full drama or show. If people do call me, I would actually feel annoyed because they did so.

Sometimes the urge in our hearts can be so strong that when our mind tried to remind us that a certain thing or person is not good for us, we just refused to be logical and rational, and instead, we chose to listen to our hearts and be emotional about that issue.

Someone had hurt me deeply recently, just a few months ago. I took quite some time to allow myself to be free from this person. At first I really thought that I would use more that six months to get over with it. However, with the comfort from the Lord, and encouragement and support from my friends, I have let go of this person.

The feeling of letting go is really great. I can feel that my heart, my shoulders, and in fact my whole body, mind and soul are so light. From here, I learnt that sometimes we must let go for our own good. When we are holding tight onto something, it may be a burden to us. Why trouble ourselves when we have a better option to deal with it?

BALANCE is what I think is crucial here. In everything, we just have to know how to balance, be it our minds, our hearts, our emotions etc.

Also, besides letting go, we also need to learn not only to FORGIVE but to FORGET as well. I am thankful that I do not have a good memory. At most times, I would not be able to remember things for too long. LOL, short term memory may be not be a bad thing after all.

The feeling of forgiving and forgetting is great too. When one does not have the stumbling block in our minds and our hearts, the light feather is truly a blessing!

God bless =)

Angels Around Me [I]

From the second I was born till today, I believe that there were many Angels around me. I really thank God for what He had done in my life. Today I want to share about my court attendances.

I am not a very talkative person. My friends would describe me as a very soft person. When I told people that I was reading law, they would say, "Oh, so you are going to be the type that vets through documents in the office? You won't be going to Court right?"

Surprisingly, and even out of my own expectation, I have been doing litigation works, though not actively, since the day I started practising. It is quite a different experience and I am glad that my firm allows me to have a minor exposure to the world of litigation. I would not say that I enjoy it, but I would say that it is definitely a good exposure. At least I would not be sitting in the office all the time, I take it as a short break.

Fortunately or unfortunately, I am not trained in advocacy skills. Therefore, each time I go to Court, I will go earlier to prepare for my speech. Amazingly, each time there is an Angel to help me improve on my prepared speech and I always get to bump into friendly and helpful seniors to assist me.

God is great, all the time!

All the time, God is great!

Isn't He amazing? =)

It is Not a Coincidence [I]

I have always wanted to post an entry here, but work these few days did not permit me to do so. We started work on Wednesday; oh, what a good break that we had. However, we have to back to the reality.

I had a good time this holiday. For the first time, I wore a Saree. I really felt comfortable wearing it and it was quite interesting to learn about the process. I really thank my friends, MGA and MAD for their company on the first two days of holidays.

It was also the first time I attended a Catholic Mass. This is a very different experience all together as their rituals are totally different from ours. Well, I think it is a good thing as I get to learn about something different from my own culture and practice. It is definitely an eye opener.

I had a good rest on Monday. Dad slipped, fell and injured his arm. There is no one to fetch me to the station in the morning. So I took some driving practices with my brother and it did not turn out too bad, bearing in mind that I did not drive for the past eight years.

On Tuesday I went out with WJ. For the first time since many many months ago, we had 'our' time, i.e. a time just for the both of us. Although it felt awkward at first but I guess we managed to go with the flow.

So, what is meant by "it is not a coincidence"?

For some reason, I wanted to look for handphones as I thought it is time to change my 'smart' phone (s).

For some reason, we just dropped by at one of the stalls.

For some reason, we chatted with the sales person for quite some time (more than half an hour).

For some reason, we talked about his personal experience (s).

For some reason, we introduced God to him.

For some reason, he showed interest in what we were talking about.

For some reason, he did not reject when we asked him to join church activities.

For some reason, we became 'acquaintances'.

Of course, I did not really talk with this sales person, KF throughout the whole conversation as I was busy thinking about my 'new phone(s)', so it was WJ who talked to him most. I believe it is not by coincidence that we get to experience this.

As he did not have his lunch yet, (at that time, it was already near dinner time), WJ went to buy a bread for him and he told WJ that he was touched by the small deed. I believe small deeds such as this will be a great blessing in the future. As the saying goes, we must go around to plant our seeds, and God will determine the time to harvest.

All in all, I really had a good time this holiday. Although I did not really rest physically but I had a good time with friends whom I seldom get in touch with.

I hope that I can continue the story about KF in the future and the story will go on and on to encourage all of us that God never forgets about us, even in our times of despair, He is always there for us. Even if He is not there, He will send someone to convey His message to us. All we have to do is to focus, to focus on His direction, on His voice, on His light, on HIM ALONE.

The Book of Song of Songs

Some months ago, my church had a special talk on the Book of Song of Songs. I cannot remember too well whether I have shared it here but today I feel like sharing it :-/

Usually not many people will pay attention on this book; some people would say that this is a book on friendship,  relationship; whilst some would have other opinions. I cannot remember too well the exact words that the speaker said but I must say it was indeed a good talk.

One thing that I could remember well is this:-

"Like a lily among the thorns is my darling among the maidens"

Oh~ such a beautiful description. It is always wonderful to think that in the eyes of the person (s) we love and who love us, only positive traits are being emphasised and focused on. I guess where love is involved, whatever negative traits can be tolerated.

God is LOVE. Isn't His Love WONDERFUL? =) God bless...

Psalm 37

I was doing my devotion and when I came across this Psalm, I love it and would like to share it with all of you here :)

1 Do not fret because of evil man or be envious of those who do wrong;

2 for like the grass they will soon wither, like green plant they will soon die away.

3 Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

4 Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.

5 Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this:

6 He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.

8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret - it leads only to evil.

9 For evil men will be cut off, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.

10 A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found.

11 But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy great peace.

12 The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them;

13 but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for He knows their day is coming.

14 The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright.

15 But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.

16 Better the little that the righteous have than the wealth of many wicked;

17 for the power of the wicked will be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous.

18 The days of the blameless are known to the Lord, and their inheritance will endure forever.

19 In times of disaster they will not wither; in days of famine they will enjoy plenty.

20 But the wicked will perish: The Lord's enemies will be like the beauty of the fields, they will vanish - vanish like smoke.

21 The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously;

22 those the Lord blesses will inherit the land, but those He curses will be cut off.

23 If the Lord delights in a man's way, He makes his steps firm;

24 though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with His hand.

25 I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.

26 They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed.

27 Turn from evil and do good; then you will dwell in the land forever.

28 For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake His faithful ones. They will be protected forever, but the offspring of the wicked will be cut off;

29 the righteous will inherit the land and dwell in it forever.

30 The mouth of the righteous man utters wisdom, and his tongue speaks what is just.

31 The law of his God is in his heart; his feet do not slip.

32 The wicked lie in wait for the righteous, seeking their very lives;

33 but the Lord will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned when brought to trial.

34 Wait for the Lord and keep His way. He will exalt you to inherit the land; when the wicked are cut off, you will see it.

35 I have seen a wicked and ruthless man flourishing like a green tree in its native soil,

36 but he soon passed away and was no more; though I looked for him, he could not be found.

37 Consider the blameless, observe the upright; there is a future for the man of peace.

38 But all sinners will be destroyed; the future of the wicked will be cut off.

39 The salvation of the righteous comes from the Lord; He is their stronghold in time of trouble.

40 The Lord helps them and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked and saves them, because they take refuge in Him.

My Lovely Sister [I]

One must be wondering who is this young lady and why do I want to post an entry about her in my blog. This beautiful lady is Jacklyn. She is a great friend and a great sister of mine.

Behind her smile lays a wonderful story about her personal experience with God. I still remember I first got to know her when I was in Form 1, we were in the same class. The first impression that she had given me was: a happy-go-lucky and easy-going lass.

We were in the same class again in Form 3, but I was not close to her yet, until one day, my mom told me that she attended the same church as I. Perhaps I should say we were just acquaintances at  this point. She sat behind me during exams, so one day after exam, I approached her and we got to know each other more from then on...

After PMR, we attended a camp together. This was the start of our friendship. The reason I got to know that we attended the same church was because of the demise of her beloved mother. During the camp, God comforted her with His love, joy, peace, grace and hope. I could see for myself how God touches her life.

From then on, we got to know each other more and more. We attended Physics tuition together in Form 4 and Form 5, and were 'neighbours' in Form 5. It was really fun being with her. I still remember I always teased her, and her easy-going character just made it more interesting when we tease each other.

This young lass is really great. I always feel comfortable being with her and her experiences with God really encourage me a lot. I know I can always open myself before her, and am not afraid to share with her my deepest feelings. Her great smile and strong character make me feel so warm and seeing her, I just cannot stop myself from smiling.

I still tease her now. We try to meet up as often as we could since she is in Australia now. Once in a while we will chat on MSN, or through video calling, SMS and e-mail to each other. Having her as my sister is definitely a blessing from God. I love her and I know she loves me too.

T***t,

I love you :) Thanks for allowing me to post an entry about you here. Hope to see you soon! =)

Love,

Yin

P.I.A.N.O

 

"I want to learn piano"

"LOL, I don't think you're serious right?"

"She must be kidding, I doubt she can finish till Grade 8"

"You really want to learn?"

"Yes."

"Okay, I will buy a second hand piano for you."

That was when I was nine years old. I told my family that I wanted to take up piano lessons, for reasons that I do not know. My mom used her pension to buy me a second hand piano and from then on, I have been taking piano lessons till year 2006 or 2007.

Although I did not manage to pass my Grade 8 examinations, but I did learn until Grade 8. I believe it is by God's grace that I am able to take up piano lessons, given the fact the I come from an average-income family. I also believe that God has His own reasons for giving me this opportunity.

I started to serve as a pianist in my former church's youth fellowship when I was 16 [if I remember correctly]. Although it was just for a short period, I did enjoy the process. Recently, I was given the opportunity to serve Him again as a pianist. I really appreciate the opportunity given and am very happy that I am able to serve Him with the blessing that He had provided me some years ago.

God's grace is always sufficient for us. I really thank God for whatever that He had given me; without Him, I am nothing...

FGA Youth Camp 2009

Hmm, it was held from the 4th day till the 6th day of June 2009. Actually I intended to post this earlier but just did not manage to find the time. All of sudden, I feel like posting it today.

Again, I contemplated whether to attend this camp. This time, the reasoning was because I did not want to hold any responsibilities; it was predictable that I would be chosen as a 'leader', but in the end, I just joined the camp.

Hmm, I would say I did enjoy the camp. I was longing to experience God and that was my only intention of joining. True to my prediction, I was chosen as one of the leaders. Although reluctant, I chose to be submissive to God's planning. Hmm, after so many years getting involved in youth activities, it was quite awkward to join the youths once again; this time, I felt that I was just carrying out the necessary duties.

Praise the Lord that I was able to enjoy His presence and comfort during the camp. God is LOVE! Below are some photos for sharing :)

My Blog

I was reading my friend's blog last week and when I saw her entry, it reminded me that I was facing with the same situation; she mentioned in her blog that most of us start a blog with a theme but along the way, the entries just lost its purpose [something along these lines]...

Wonderland! I remember in my introduction I was saying that I want to share my views, experiences etc in this blog. However, along the way, I think I have lost my own direction. From time to time, I will read the entries that I have posted on Friendster and I think I prefer my entries there, at least I was able to attract some readers with my stories and/or experiences...

I look back at this blog, it seems that my entries are so messy, there is no theme, everything is just everywhere. Oh, I really do not like this idea at all! When I read it, I do not feel like continuing reading...

Recently, I find that things have been different. It seems that I am starting my journey to search for my direction, the direction that God has prepared for me. I hope this fire will continue to burn in the long run. I hope my entries will be 'alive' and do not sound as though there is no hope in life. I hope that I will be able to make a difference in my own life, so that I will have a breakthrough and share with everyone what He has done in my life.

God is indeed awesome! I am able to find peace and hope in Him. I hope that He will continue to use me to glorify Him because, without Him I am nothing.

One Year Later...

God has His plan in each and everyone of us. For every event that occurs in our lives, He has His own reason for allowing it; and in every event, we will have the opportunity to experience Him in different aspects of our lives...

As mentioned in my earlier entry, I have attended a visit to a children home a year ago, and there was one voice that encouraged me to attend the visit. I wonder, if I did not listen to that voice, what would have happened now?

A year ago, I found back my passion to serve Him. Although I was not sure whether He wanted to use me in the Youth Ministry, the heart to serve Him came back!

A year later, I really want to find out what He has in store for me. An announcement to Sg Ruan and again, a voice had encouraged me to go. However, this time I am more reluctant to attend, because, after spending about a year with the brothers and sisters-in-Christ, I find that I cannot really adapt to their world. I am quite adamant about my decision this time but...

JH asked me again few days before the trip and I can sense that God wants me to go. I tried to avoid but I know that when God wants to speak to you, there is no point to run away from Him. I tried to sms KY and tried to make her availability as God's answer to my prayer.

Yeah! KY said she cannot make it! So Lord, that must be Your answer! That was what I had in mind at that time.

For some reason, I spent some time to pray to God on that night. My heart felt really uneasy. I was drafting my sms to JH informing her that KY cannot make it and at the same time, was hoping to say that I would not be attending as well. However, I know it is best to listen to Him. Subconsciously, I just typed my NRIC and sms JH thereafter.

Oh, after I sent the sms, my heart was relieved! It was really a big relief, I could feel the burden was taken away from my shoulders! Praise the Lord!

Obedience to God will only bring goodness to us;
although in the process we might face with obstacles,
because we obey, God will make a way for us...

I thank God for not forgetting me. I did enjoy the trip! Praise the Lord! Thank You JESUS for not letting my hand go. It is because of You, I am here today!

The 6th day of September 20**

I remember posting on my Friendster Blog the events that happened about a year ago. A brief summary:-

An announcement was made to the Charis Home, and a voice encouraged me to attend this activity. I contemplated for quite some time as I was afraid that I would be 'invisible' throughout the whole trip. A sister said she could accompanied me if I wanted to attend and that was where the story began...

The 6th day of September 2008

Finally today is the day! I am going to visit Charis Home with other family members [church members]. I feel excited, at the same time I am worried because I hardly know anybody in the church besides CZ. I thank God that she had accompanied me to this event. However, she is not going to the home with me as she lives at the other side of the map. Oh no, hesitation fills me at this moment...

I was informed earlier by one Bro JL that I will go to the home by the church van. Oh, church van; meaning I will go to the home with other family members, a.k.a 'strangers'. Perhaps I should explain myself here: I came to this church some time in 2006 but hardly anybody approached me, so I was quite hesitant to participate in their events because I refuse to regard myself as an 'invisible' person.

On the van, I choose to sit beside a girl, by the name of WJ. Why? This is because from any perspective, she does not look like she is a high school student; meaning, she is probably in college. Hmm, the age gap would not be too big; great! I will just sit beside her then!

As I think that I will feel awkward if we just keep silent throughout the journey, I also feel awkward to start a conversation with a stranger. As awkward as it be, I tried to start a conversation with WJ and it is quite surprising that I am actually having a good chat with her.

So, that was how our friendship started...

Finally the visit has come to an end. Overall, I did not regret for making the decision to join this visit. It is time to go home! I called Pa to wait for me at church because I do not want to be left alone waiting with 'strangers' at the church. Surprisingly, KL asked WJ to go for a short tea session and asked me along. Hmm, why not? Perhaps I will change my mind about these 'strangers'...

So, that was how the friendship among the three of us began...oops, should I say four instead? As there was another Bro AY who was with us during the tea session. Of course, not to forget about KS as well, but he was quite quiet throughout the whole session.


The 6th day of September 2009

Today is the 1st Annivesary of our, hmm, friendship? Should we celebrate it like how lovers do? Do friends celebrate this event as well?

No, we do not have any celebration; in fact, no body mention anything about this. Perhaps there is nothing to celebrate about...

Before we were acquaintances
we were strangers,

Before we were friends
we were acquaintances,
 

Before we were good friends
we were friends.

Perhaps one would find that I keep on telling the same story again and again; well, maybe these events were significant to me at that point of time. However, things that were significant in the past might not be significant in the present.

Throughout this one year, many things had happened. There were up and downs. All I could say is, there is no more significance in any of these anymore, because I have learnt to focus on HIM alone. God allows things to happen because He wants us to experience Him more and more.

When our focus is right
everything is going to be all right!
Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life,
He is the focus of my life!


Many many years ago...

In a Bible class, the teacher asked us to write what is the most precious thing in our lives on a piece of paper. After everyone in the class had done so, she gave us a brief sharing on putting God as our priority. Subsequently, she asked us to look at our piece of paper, then to tear it and make a prayer that we shall make God the priority in our lives and He shall be our 'precious' from then on...

P.S. I Love You ~ Cecelia Ahern

"Holly is a young Irish woman has just lost her husband. She struggles with what to do with her life now that the love of her life is gone. She struggles to get up each morning. She doesn't leave the house anymore or talk to her family and friends. Her mother calls one day to tell her that she has a package and needs to pick up. Holly gets it and realizes that it contains letters from her husband that he wrote before he died.

There are 10 letters each containing some instruction on what to do nowthat he is gone. She is only allowed to read one letter a month and each one comes with instructions about what to do now that he is gone. These are things she wouldn't have done if he were still alive, but because they are from him she abides by his wishes. All the while she realizes that even though he is gone he is still with her in spirit and she must go on with her life.

Holly finds a job, meets new people and trys to keep life normal. She goes out partying with friends and goes on vacation. She wrestles with the possiblity of starting a new romance. All the while trying to stay true to her husband. In the end she realizes life does go on. Her husband wants her to be an independent lover of life. He wouldn't be disappointed if she went on to be happy without him."

I was contemplating whether to get this book when I went to the Bookfest on Saturday, 22nd August 2009. This book can be classified as "romance", not something to my liking; eventually, I did not buy the book.

I went back on Thursday, 27th August 2009, to get "The Last Empress". Again, I came across this book. This time, I just took it and finally bought it.

I was wrapping my books on Saturday, and my brother saw the book. He was surprised that I actually bought it because he said this book does not suit me. After reading "A Prisoner of Birth", I have decided to slow down, and to read a more relaxing book. I chose "P.S. I Love You".

Surprisingly, my attention was drawn to the plot of this wonderful love story. I never thought that I would really sit down and concentrate to read this kind of book. There is no doubt that there are some parts which I find it not that impressive but overall, this is a good book to read.

I was actually wondering what is love all about, which was why I chose to read this book at the initial stage. After reading this book, it makes me realise that we have to move on with life no matter what happens. Holly was lucky because Gerry did not leave her to deal with the grief alone. He was with her for almost a year and his last message was to encourage her to open herself for another relationship.

It was quite surprising at first, because I never thought that Holly was a woman who put love as priority. This story described Holly as a woman who put Gerry as her priority in life. Nonetheless, she did move on with courage. Towards the end, she did whatever that Gerry had told her to do; things that she would not do if Gerry was alive. It was a sweet thought that Gerry was being considerate to keep Holly 'accompanied' for quite some time before he let her to be on her own.

I would say that I did enjoy reading this. After all, I wanted a 'relaxing' read...