Experts Say Knitting And Crocheting Can Have A Surprising Impact On Your Health

Laura Caseley

Knitting, crocheting, lacemaking, and lots of other string-based crafts have been popular for eons.

While in the past, knitting was a necessity to making warm clothing and blankets, now, it’s just a craft and pastime that people of all ages enjoy. It’s always so satisfying to make something with your hands!

But it’s more than making yourself a cute sweater or a fluffy pair of socks, it turns out. In fact, it’s much more.

Knitting actually brings with it a slew of health-boosting benefits. Besides being a cool, classic skill and a method of creative expression, sometimes in unexpected ways, it actually has mental, physical, and emotional benefits.

And if you think about it, it makes a lot of sense. Those who knit know how nice it is to relax after a long day with their current project and just be still for a little bit. It’s really soothing!

If you’re not a knitter, these unexpected side effects might just convince you to pick it up!

And if you are, these fascinating facts just might inspire you to start that project you’ve been planning, or to dream up a completely new one!

Check out the benefits that this ancient craft can bring to you, and break out the knitting needles!  

 

Why Knitting And Crocheting?

Knitting and crocheting might seem like crafts of the past, but they’re not at all. In fact, knitting has experienced an uptick in popularity among people of all ages.

But besides being a useful skill, what else is knitting doing for you? 

Knitting Benefit #1: Lowers Heart Rate And Blood Pressure

If you knit or crochet, you probably know how relaxed you feel after wrapping up a good session.

But relaxing is way more than just feeling good. It’s healthy!

Relaxation lowers levels of stress hormone cortisol, which, in excess, is harmful to the heart and circulatory system, and stress can cause all kinds of other nasty health problems, too.

 

Knitting Benefit #2: Keeps Fingers Nimble

Knitting and crocheting require a number of small, precise movements, often executed rapidly.

This repeated exercise is actually great for keeping the finger joints flexible and the muscles in the hands toned and steady.

It might seem counterintuitive, but keeping the fingers moving by knitting is great for maintaining mobility in those with arthritis.

Naturally, as with any activity, be gentle and don’t overdo it, and make sure to take frequent stretch breaks. 

Knitting Benefit #3: Improves Math Skills

Believe it or not, you can sharpen your math skills without doing rows and rows of arithmetic — or at least, that’s what it will seem like.

Knitting and crocheting is all about counting, multiplying, measuring, and patterning, which are all math skills.

When you knit, you do most of that stuff subconsciously, though. But the effect on your brain is the same: stronger mathematical skill. 

Knitting Benefit #4: Calms Anxiety

Besides physically relaxing the body, knitting also soothes the mental state.

For many, the practice of knitting is meditative, and allows the mind to pause and refocus, and soothes worries. 

Knitting Benefit #5: Sharpens Memory

Just like with math, knitting is all about remembering what you’re doing. When to knit and when to purl, what color stripe comes next, and how many rows go into which part of the project.

Knitting makes your brain actively rely on its memory, and the more you use it, the stronger your memory becomes. 

Knitting Benefit #6: Helps Manage Pain

Knitting requires focus, which means that you have to concentrate on it and not on, say, pain.

People with chronic pain may find that knitting allows them to think about something other than the discomfort, and makes them less aware of the pain for at least a little while.

And it’s not just physical pain. People with clinical depression and eating disorders also reported feeling better after taking up knitting. 

Knitting Benefit #7: Reduces Mindless Eating

If your hands are busy, you can’t reach for junk food! People who knit tend to be less likely to engage in mindless eating, and thus tend to have better diets.

If you’re looking to eat more mindfully, try taking up knitting while you’re hanging out at home or watching TV.

Your hands will be occupied with the project, and so they won’t be scooping up chips. 

Knitting Benefit #8: Keeps Your Brain Healthy For Years

Studies have shown that among older people, those who knit or crochet had a decreased chance of age-related cognitive impairment or memory loss.

Among people aged 70 to 89, the studies showed that the knitters and crocheters had the healthiest brains and memories.

It suggests that crafts like this help the brain create and maintain the neural pathways that keep the mind and memory sharp. 

Knitting Benefit #9: Gives A Sense Of Purpose

 

One of the worst feelings is that you’re just kind of there.

But having a project gives you a goal and a sense of purpose. You want to meet that goal, and getting closer and closer to it is a great, inspiring feeling.

Even better is creating handmade gifts for friends and family, or creating necessities like scarves and mittens for the needy.

The feeling of creating something for someone you care about is deeply fulfilling. 

Knitting Benefit #10: Boosts Confidence And Self-Esteem

If working on a project is fulfilling, completing one is even better!

When you’ve finished something, you have a physical thing that you can hold up and look at and say, “I did that!”

Knitting is a skill that you learned and mastered, and it’s something you can do.

You can turn a piece of yarn into something wearable! That’s awesome! And you’re awesome for doing it. 

Knitting Benefit #11: You Get A Neat, One-Of-A-Kind Craft At The End!

Along with a sense of accomplishment and ability, you also get a cool craft when you’re done with a knitting project! And the best part is that there’s no other one like it in the world.

Maybe you’ll end up with a perfectly fitting sweater, or a blanket that looks perfect in your bedroom, or a scarf in your favorite colors. Whatever it is, it’s yours!

Do you knit or crochet? Would you like to start? Let us know in the comments, and show us some of the things you’ve made!

And be sure to SHARE these unexpected benefits with your friends! 

How To Make Bubur Cha Cha And 9 Other Malaysian Sweet Desserts From Your Childhood

1. Black glutinous rice sweet porridge (bubur pulut hitam)

Image via GoodyFoodies

INGREDIENTS:

250g black glutinous rice (pulut hitam), washed and drained

1.5 litres water

3 pandan leaves, knotted

100g gula melaka

30g caster sugar

250ml thin coconut milk

150ml thick coconut milk

1/2 tsp salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Place rice in a large pot with water and pandan leaves and bring to a boil. 

2. Once the water starts boiling, reduce heat to low and remove the pandan leaves. Simmer for 45 minutes until the liquid is thick and creamy. The rice should be soft, but with a bite to it.

3. Add gula melaka and caster sugar, and stir until dissolved. Pour in the thin coconut milk and simmer for another 10 to 15 minutes. Add salt and mix well.

4. Serve in small bowls topped with 1 tablespoon of thick coconut milk each. You can also serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. 

Recipe adapted from GoodyFoodies.

2. Bubur cha cha

Image via Timothy Tye via Penang-TravelTips

INGREDIENTS: 

80g orange sweet potato

80g yellow sweet potato

80g purple sweet potato 

150g yam (taro)

10g sago (tapioca pearls)

50g black-eyed beans, soaked for 1 hour

3 bananas, peeled and cut half inches thick

Tapioca flour jelly:

100g tapioca Flour

1/2 cup boiling water

Red colouring

Coconut milk base:

3 litres water

1 cup thick coconut milk

120g sugar

2 pandan leaves, knotted

Salt to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. In boiling water, boil black-eye peas until soft. Boil sago, separately, until translucent and cooked.

2. Peel and cut all sweet potatoes and yam into cubes or desired shapes. Steam separately until cooked and tender.

3. To make tapioca flour jelly, place tapioca flour in a mixing bowl and pour in boiling water. Mix until well combined, forming a dough. Let cool, then roll out evenly on a well-floured surface and cut into cubes.

4. In a pot of water, add in 1 tbsp sugar before pouring in the bananas. Boil for 5 minutes, then drain and set aside. 

5. Bring 3 litres of water to a boil. Add in thick coconut milk, sugar, salt, and pandan leaves. Cook over low heat for about 10 to 20 minutes.

6. Add in the rest of the ingredients and mix well. Simmer and let boil before removing from heat. 

7. Serve warm or chilled. 

Recipe adapted from Rasa Malaysia.

3. Wheat sweet porridge (bubur gandum)

Image via You Beli

INGREDIENTS: 

300g whole wheat (biji gandum), soaked overnight 

1.5 litres water 

6 screwpine leaves (pandan), knotted 

100g palm sugar (gula Melaka) 

150g granulated sugar 

150ml water 

220ml thin coconut milk 

2 tbsp plain flour, mixed with a little water into a paste 

100ml thick coconut milk 

½ tsp salt 

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Drain the wheat and combine with water and 4 knotted pandan leaves in a deep saucepot. Bring to a boil and cook until wheat grains turn soft and have expanded. 

2. Place palm sugar, granulated sugar, the remaining 2 screwpine leaves and thin coconut milk in a saucepan, then bring to a boil to dissolve the sugars. 

3. Strain the syrup and discard the screwpine leaves and pour syrup into the wheat porridge pot. Bring to a simmering boil for a while. Thicken with flour paste, stirring continuously until thick. 

4. Combine thick coconut milk with salt and leave aside. Scoop wheat porridge into serving bowls and add a little thick coconut milk for added taste.

Recipe by Amy Beh via Kuali.

4. Sweet mung bean stew (bubur kacang hijau)

Image via Resep Harian

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 cup (100g) dried mung beans 

1 litre water 

2 pandan leaves, tied into a knot 

3 slices ginger (optional) 

2 tbsp pearl sago 

3 tbsp chopped palm sugar 

3 tbsp white sugar 

Pinch of salt 

125 ml (1/2 cup) thick coconut milk 

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Rinse the mung beans well. Place them in a saucepan with water and pandan leaves. Bring to a boil and simmer on medium heat until the beans are tender (about 30 minutes). If you are using ginger, add them in now.

2. Stir in the pearl sago and continue to simmer until the sago turns translucent. 

3. Add palm sugar, white sugar, and salt. Simmer for another 5 minutes. 

4. Add coconut milk and gently bring to a boil. Turn off the heat. 

5. Serve the mung bean porridge hot or warm. 

Recipe adapted from Rohani Jelani via HungryGoWhere Malaysia.

5. Sweet red bean soup

Image via sleepwalks9to5

INGREDIENTS: 

1 1/2 cup red azuki beans 

1/2 cup Chinese rock sugar or raw sugar

2 pieces dried tangerine or orange peel (optional) 

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Soak the red beans in cold water for 2 hours, then drain.

2. In a large pot, add the beans and then pour in some fresh water until it's 2 inches above the beans. With medium heat, bring mixture to a boil.

3. Once it starts to boil, turn the heat down to low and add in the tangerine peels if you are using them. Cook for approximately 3 hours, stirring occasionally and topping up the water as needed. 

4. When the red beans are mostly broken down and the soup is thick with dissolved red bean, add sugar to taste and stir. Note: Don't add sugar before this point, otherwise your beans won't soften properly. 

5. Once sugar has dissolved completely, let cook until the soup reaches your desired consistency. Serve warm.

Recipe adapted from The Hong Kong Cookery.

6. Sweet potato and ginger soup

Image via 3 Hungry Tummies

INGREDIENTS:

2 medium-sized sweet potatoes

5 cm piece of ginger

2 pandan leaves, knotted

2 litres water

1/2 cup rock sugar or brown sugar

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Peel sweet potatoes and cut into bite-sized chunks.

2. Slice the ginger into 2 or 3 segments, then bash it with a pestle and mortar (or any blunt object).

3. Bring water to a boil. Add in sweet potatoes, ginger, and pandan leaves. Let simmer over medium heat until sweet potatoes are cooked. 

4. Add in rock sugar or brown sugar and mix until it dissolves completely. Add sugar according to desired sweetness. 

5. Serve warm or chilled.

Recipe adapted from 3 Hungry Tummies and Jennifer Lam via I Ate My Way Through.

7. Sweet peanut soup

Image via Use Real Butter

INGREDIENTS:

350g raw peanuts, shelled

8 cups water

2 to 3 pandan leaves, knotted

1/2 cup sugar

4 tbsp coconut milk

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Soak the peanuts in a large bowl of water overnight and make sure none are sticking out of the water. If there are skins on the peanuts, they will come off after soaking them. When done soaking, rinse the peanuts and drain all of the excess water off. 

2. Place the peanuts and knotted pandan leaves in a pressure cooker and add the 8 cups of water. Pressure cook the peanuts and on high heat for 15 minutes. 

3. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for another 30 to 40 minutes. Remove from heat and let the pressure cooker cool naturally (natural release). 

4. Remove the lid of the pressure cooker and heat the soup over medium heat. Add sugar to taste. The peanuts should be completely soft after all of that time in the pressure cooker. If they aren’t, let them boil until they reach a creamy fall-apart texture. 

5. Add coconut milk and let the soup return to a boil for a minute. Remove from heat. You can either serve it hot or let it cool and serve it chilled. 

Recipe adapted from Use Real Butter.

8. Ginkgo and barley dessert with foo chuk (dried beancurd)

Image via thepodanys

INGREDIENTS:

50g barley

20 to 25 ginkgo nuts, shells removed

1 to 2 pieces dried beancurd sheets

1.5 litres boiling water

2 pandan leaves, knotted

Rock sugar, to taste

3 eggs (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Rinse barley and ginkgo nuts. Soak barley in water for about 30 minutes. Rinse dried beancurd. In a separate bowl, soak dried beancurd sheets until soft, then drain.

2. Add pandan leaves, barley and ginkgo nuts into boiling water. Cook over medium heat, covered, for about 30 to 45 minutes, until ingredients soften.

3. Add beancurd sheets and continue to cook until they are soft enough to break into pieces. 

4. Add rock sugar to taste and mix well until it dissolves completely. Let boil for another 15 minutes or so before serving. 

Recipe adapted from Christine's Recipes and Delicious Asian Food.

9. Split mung beans soup with "you tiao" (lek tau suan)

Image via wiffy gal via Flickr

INGREDIENTS:

150g split green (mung) bean 

2 pandan leaves, washed and knotted 

50g rock sugar 

500ml water 

1 you tiao (fried dough fritters or you char kway), cut into pieces

Thickener: 

40g sweet potato flour or water chestnut flour, mixed with 125ml (1/2 cup) water 

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Soak the beans in water for 1 hour. Then, drain and rinse with water. Drain again. 

2. Steam the beans for about 30 minutes, or until they are soft. 

3. In a pot, add water, pandan leaves and sugar. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and add in the steamed beans. 

4. Before using the thickener, stir the solution again to make sure it is even. Stir in the thickener slowly until mixture thickens. Note: Stop adding once the soup reaches your desired consistency. 

5. Serve warm, topped with you tiao pieces.

Recipe adapted from wiffy via NoobCook.

10. Sago pudding drizzled with gula melaka syrup and coconut milk

Image via Asian Supper

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup pearl sago

8 cups water

1 tablespoon milk

1 cup coconut milk

1 pinch of salt

Palm sugar syrup:

120g palm sugar

1 pandan leaf

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Put the sago in a sieve and shake over sink to dislodge any loose starch.

2. Bring water to boil in a large pan, and slowly pour in sago, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Boil uncovered, stirring occasionally, until sago balls turn transparent (about 15 mins).

3. Tip sago into large wire mesh sieve and hold under cold running water to wash away starch (about 45 secs). Shake sieve until well drained, then stir in milk (which will turn colour from dull grey to white).

4. Transfer to 4 serving glasses and refrigerate when cooled. 

5. To make palm sugar syrup, combine palm sugar and pandan leaf in a small pan. Bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Simmer until reduced to 1/2 cup. Remove pandan leaf and cool.

6. To serve, transfer palm sugar syrup and coconut milk to 2 separate small jugs. Add a pinch of salt to coconut milk. Serve with chilled sago to taste. 

Recipe adapted from kgw via Nigella.com.

I did it :)

Firstly, to thank my jogging & marathon kaki for encouraging & supporting me all along, especially Wan Theng, Zihao & Rachel Chong :)

My aim last year was to collect 10 medals in total after realising that I've collected 6 thus far back then & this year, I aimed to collect 10 medals in a year. I was not sure if this was crazy nor was I sure if I could achieve it & now I'm happy to shout out that "I did it! " :)

Running had indeed changed my life! I'm healthier & it helps me to release stress (imagine stomping your feet on whatever that caused the stress in you) & it also helps to clear my mind (being few hours on the road, with close to zero distraction is a good way to clear the cobwebs in mind).

20 medals over a span of 3.5 years since June 2012:)

Description from top left:

Year 2012 - 30km

TM Fan Run - 8km

BSN Night Run - 10km

Newton Challenge - 12km

Year 2013 - 57km

Brooks Marathon - 21km

SCKLM - 21km

Newton Challenge - 15km

Year 2014 - 78km

SCKLM - 21km

PBIM - 21km

New Balance - 21km

Newton Challenge - 15km

Year 2015 - 160.2km

100 Plus Run - 12km

Malaysia Women Marathon - 21km

Shape Night Run - 11. 2km

3R International Marathon - 21km

Sg Long Fun Run - 10km

ASEAN Unity Run - 21km

PJ Half Marathon - 21km

Lion Charity Run - 12km

NB Home Run - 16km

Newton Challenge - 15km

Total distance - 325.2km

Total Half Marathon - 9

This year, due to haze, I missed SCKLM & BSN Night Run & due to the condition of my knee, I forgo PBIM (full marathon).

I wish I'll be able to complete one full marathon to qualify myself to be called a marathoner :)

P.S. Photo is blur, paiseh :p

ARISE 2014 ~ 5th July 2014

The theme for ARISE is GO, GIVE & LOVE.

There was a slot for community work and when I registered myself for the event, I thought I registered for the community work. However, when I double checked with the Administration Team, I found out that I did not register for the community work.

Somehow, I was half hearted on this community work. Ironically, on Friday night when the event ended, I actually took initiative to ask my CG members to join me for breakfast at 08:30 (which would be quite early for most of us).

I attended on time for the breakfast and had a good fellowship with my CG members. Thereafter we headed to the Main Sanctuary for the first session ~ How to have a happy marriage / family?

The session was very good. As I was listening to the message, I prayed to God, telling Him the desire of my heart. Although I am very much afraid to enter into a relationship for fear that I would get hurt and heartbroken, I am ready to have a partner and to start a family.

I have no idea when God would bring me to the godly man that He had prepared for me and to lead the godly man to me, I just need to have faith and continue to pray fervently for this aspect of my life. May our good Lord grant the desires of my heart.

Despite not registering for the community work, I managed to join a group visiting the old folks home nearby SHC. It was a pleasant and good visit; spending time with the uncles and aunties, chatting with them, listening to their stories and sang some songs for them.

After our visit, we joined the bazaar held in our Church. 

We attended the next session followed by dinner before we called it a day.

In conclusion, I had a good time and I was glad I did not give in to my reluctance. Well, God never agreed with my plan anyway, and this is one of it :p

ARISE 2014 ~ 4th July 2014

To be honest, I was quite reluctant to join this event called ARISE 2014, organised by Full Gospel Assembly (FGA). Nonetheless, I registered myself when the event was first launched, so as to encourage my members to join.

As the date drew nearer, the reluctance to join became stronger. Why? The reason was very simple. I was tired, and still tired. I needed a rest, a good rest. There is a Chinese saying which goes, "we rest so that we can walk further". I guess this is quite true to a certain extent.

Why am I tired? My mind had been very "busy" thinking about things. I could hardly focus on a thing. I had to multitask so that I am busy all the time and would not have time to think or focus on things that had been bothering me. 

Well, one would say that this would be an unhealthy way because it seems that I am running away from the issue. Hence, I want to rest.

The day has arrived. Although I was still reluctant, but I attended the event anyway.

First day of the event was a Friday evening. The event starting at about 20:30 but we were encouraged to reach early to ensure parking space; being a lady driver, safety is my concern, so instead of going back to my rented room to shower and pack, I departed from my office at 18:00, estimating that I would arrive at about 19:30.

Fortunately or unfortunately, I reached early at 19:00. Oh my, what am I going to do? I feel awkward to be alone in a crowded place, not in a place where I am familiar with. Well, I can watch movie alone, have meals alone in a restaurant, enjoy shopping alone, sit at the cafe with a cup of coffee and have a good read alone, jog alone, walk at the park alone, watch the sunrise and sunset alone et cetera, but just feel awkward to be alone in a familiar place and where there would be familiar faces around.

Thank God dinner was served at 19:00 instead of 19:45. So I took my own sweet time to have my dinner. I was sitting alone in a corner and opposite me was a young lady who was sitting alone as well. I just said "Hi" and we had a short conversation. Thereafter, my CG member SMS me and she came to join me thereafter.

God is good, Amen! God had never forgotten us, Amen! God would never abandon us, Amen!

I was encouraged by the message shared by Ps Kenneth Chin. The message was taken from this:

Galatians 5:25King James Version (KJV)

25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.

Not only we should be filled by the Holy Spirit, it is also important to fellowship with the Holy Spirit.

This message touched my heart and I must say, I felt refreshed and renewed. I must have "abandoned" God and I was so touched to listen to this important message. 

I did not stand when Ps Kenneth Chin asked us to stand; but I knew it very well in my heart that God has touched my heart that night.

I pray that God will continue to lead me in my walk with Him, that I would be well rested and get back on track soon.

Sometimes we feel lonely in our journey, but I thank God that He had never abandoned me. I have a Father who is so loving, so forgiving, so awesome, so great that no words could explain His greatness, I really thank God for everything that He had done for me.

2013 in a Glance ~ June 2013

June, had always been the month for "Malaysia for Jesus Conference". I have never attended the Conference and this year have decided to attend it for the FIRST time.

Once again, God had touched me tremendously during the Conference. I had a great time with Him. Although I cannot remember clearly what I have learned but one thing I know is, I have a lot of insights on how to run our CG.

The Booklet

Kuen, Wai Peng and Lisa attended the Conference with me. It is also through this kind of opportunity we get to know each other better. I am glad to know these Sisters-in-Christ for they have been a source of strength and encouragement to me. I love them!!

Photo taken with Wai Peng & Kuen. Unfortunately Lisa is not in the photo :(

We attended the Healing Rally too! It was the first night I had a deep conversation with Wai Peng and got to know her better. I pray that God will continue to lead her in her life so that she would grow in Him day by day :)

Faith! We must have faith! We experienced the "now you see, now you don't", as there was rain throughout the few nights but God was truly awesome!! Now you feel the rain, now you don't!!!

Vicky and Chea Yee came with us on the last night and we were so happy to know that Vicky received the gift of tongues on that very night!!!

Wai Peng, Vicky & Chea Yee

2013 in a Glance ~ May 2013

The picture says it all!!

5th May 2013 - A day that most of us would remember. I have never been patriotic in all my life, and have never shown any interest in politics. This was my FIRST time voting in my country. How was the feeling?

We woke up in the morning and went back to SS 3 to cast out votes. The queue was long and since it was my first time, I was excited about it. The media had shared a lot of information on how votes can turn out to be wasted votes, that we must be careful when we cast our votes et cetera. This made a first timer like me to feel anxious that my vote will turn out to be a wasted one.

I guess Malaysian stayed at home to wait for the results. It was an exciting moment as we were anxious to know who will win the General Election this time round.

Ta-Daa!!! We have our results! May God bless Malaysia!!

It was also a month of gathering as I had few rounds of gatherings with my friends :)

With my good friend since 11, Amy :)

First time gathering with Pei Wern & Mei Ching after so many years; bumped into Sugania :)

Another round of catch up session with Amy :)

May was also FGA KL's Generation Month. I was actively involved in coordinating my CG members to help on our YA weekend.

Connexions Corner! Very creative drawing by our members :)

I thought of hibernating this year, but not only am I serving actively, I'm now also one of the core leaders in my CG!

After a day of hard work, a great meal & fellowship to rejuvenate ourselves :)

2013 in a Glance ~ March 2013

I have started jogging at Bukit Jalil in 2011, as a family activity on Sunday evening. We would normally go an hour earlier and my dad and I would walk around the park until 18:00 and then join the Praise Dance.

In November 2011, my colleague asked if I wanted to join a Community Run and I guess that was when I started to join marathons.

In June 2012, my good friend Theng asked if I was interested to join a Fun Run. At that time she just came back from Singapore for good and we did not know that we share the same interest. This was when we started to join marathons after marathons.

Photo taken after the run & we were wet because it was raining during the run!!

In March 2013, I joined the first half marathon. I am not a very fit person as I take about 10 minutes to complete one [1] kilometre. So this half marathon was really a challenge to me. I remember I walked all the way through and still managed to complete the 21 kilometres.

Showing off the Finisher T after the run :)

Young Adults' Camp 2012: Our Journey, God's Glory

The Backdrop

 5th to 7th October, 2012 ~ Our Journey, God's Glory

For some unknown reason, I had already decided to join this Camp even before the Committee was formed. I wanted to serve at that time, and thought that serving in the Committee would serve as a good platform. Hence, I contacted the person in charge and volunteered myself.

YA Camp Committee 2012

My Group: I-Savy

Connexions

The Connexions Worship Team :)

Me the Pianist :)

Say Cheese :D

Take a Heart & be Blessed ^ ^

Big Group Photo =)

Contemplative Retreat: Day 3 ~ The Finale

It is the last day of retreat and once again, the verses did not speak to me. I tried to focus on the Word and realised that the verses chosen really suit my situation.

2 Corinthians 4:16-18

¹⁶ Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, ¹⁸ while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

At 11:30, we shared our experiences and it was awesome to hear their testimonies :)

By the time we could "talk", I realised that there were blankets in the cupboards and I would have enjoyed the cool weather at night, haha :p

Anyhow, I am looking forward to another silent retreat and long to enjoy His presence from time to time :)

As Dr Chew Tow Yow said: Enjoy God's presence and let God enjoy you ~  

Contemplative Retreat: Day 2 ~ A Walk with Jesus

I had a very early rest on the first night, because I was feeling tired and sleepy. I woke up, with the intention to take my usual morning shower but the weather was too cold. The night was very cold and I regretted not taking any socks with me, and I just had a thin "blanket" to cover myself up, so I did not have a deep sleep.

I took a walk around the vicinity before breakfast time and the Guide asked us to "listen" to the sound of nature. I am not accustomed to sound, so I just walked around "trying" to enjoy the sound of nature. I prefer to listen to the waves of the sea :)

After breakfast, we started to meditate on the word of God again. This time round, I spent less time reading and meditating; instead, I spent more time resting on the bed. I could not understand why I could not relate myself deeply to the verses, perhaps God wanted me to understand something else more related to my current situation.

There was one (1) session whereby we "took" Jesus out for a walk. So, I really imagined myself taking a walk with Jesus, and talking to Him. I must say, this session was the most enjoyable moment throughout the three (3) days I was in Peacehaven.

I was walking with Jesus, and we had a deep conversation:

Me: Lord, why did You do this to me?

Jesus: If I do not do it, will You let go and let me take charge?

Me: But I am just a normal human being, I am feeling tired.

Jesus: Let me ask you, why did you let your friend drive your car up to Genting?

Me: Hm, because I trusted his skill.

Jesus: If you could trust your car and your life in your friend's hands, why can't you put your trust in ME? Now, why did you dare to play the roller coaster?

Me: Hm, because I know the management will take security measures and ensure that it is safe to be played.

Jesus: Again, you trusted the management, but do you put the same trust on ME?

I was silent and tears started to roll down my cheeks. God was right, all these while I did not put my trust on Him, not 100%. I started to feel that God loves me a lot because He did not give up on me and yet He tried to make things right.

Me: Lord, why did You allow the thing to happen early this year?

Jesus: If I don't do it, you will not let go. If you don't let go, how are you going to fill your heart with the One that I have prepared for you?

I kept silent for a moment and was thankful to Him because He had released me from this matter, which had been in my heart for several years.

Me: Lord, how is it like to fall in love with You?

God did not answer me. I guess, I did not love God enough to treat Him as my lover.

God did not give me answer to my questions but one thing is definite, He gave me peace. He assured me that a job is waiting for me when I go back to Kuala Lumpur. He assured me that everything will be all right. He assured me that I will not be alone and He will be with me to overcome everything.

This is the best moment that I had during this retreat. God is love. Thank You Jesus for loving me, even when I am not lovable. Thank You Jesus, thank You.

Contemplative Retreat: Day 1 ~ I am His Precious Child

When I first saw the announcement on this, something came to my mind to attend this. However, this retreat did not appeal to me because I needed to take two (2) days leave in order to attend, so I just kept the idea behind my mind. One (1) week before the retreat, I had some "free" time, and hence I enquired Ps Stuart about this, and thereafter the person in charge contacted me.

The person in charge encouraged us to prepare ourselves to attend this retreat by quieten ourselves. I did my packing at the very last minute, and because I was home alone (family was out to Sekinchan for holiday), there was a lot to take care of. As such, I did not really "quiet" myself before the retreat.

I was late but the other car-mates were gracious to wait for me. I made new friends along the journey and it was truly a blessing to join the retreat.

We were assigned to a room each at Peacehaven. After checking in, we proceeded to a briefing regarding the retreat. At 16:00, we begin the session ~

I did not really know what to expect from this retreat. I just know, I needed God and His guidance. Perhaps I was looking for answers. Perhaps I just wanted a good rest. Perhaps I just wanted to have a short escape from reality. Perhaps...

We went back to our respective rooms after the briefing. I had my shower then went out to have a walk, enjoying the fresh air. Then we proceeded to have dinner.

The first session began after dinner. It was on Psalm 139. I made a short prayer before I started meditating.

Psalm 139

New King James Version (NKJV)

God’s Perfect Knowledge of Man

For the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David.

139 O Lord, You have searched me and known me.
² You know my sitting down and my rising up;
You understand my thought afar off.
³ You comprehend my path and my lying down,
And are acquainted with all my ways.
⁴ For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.
⁵ You have hedged me behind and before,
And laid Your hand upon me.
⁶ Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is high, I cannot attain it.

⁷ Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
⁸ If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
⁹ If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
¹⁰ Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me.
¹¹ If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall^[a] on me,”
Even the night shall be light about me;
¹² Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You,
But the night shines as the day;
The darkness and the light are both alike to You.

¹³ For You formed my inward parts;
You covered me in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made;^[b]
Marvelous are Your works,
And that my soul knows very well.
¹⁵ My frame was not hidden from You,
When I was made in secret,
And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
¹⁶ Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed.
And in Your book they all were written,
The days fashioned for me,
When as yet there were none of them.

¹⁷ How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God!
How great is the sum of them!
¹⁸ If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand;
When I awake, I am still with You.

¹⁹ Oh, that You would slay the wicked, O God!
Depart from me, therefore, you bloodthirsty men.
²⁰ For they speak against You wickedly;
Your enemies take Your name in vain.^[c]
21 Do I not hate them, O Lord, who hate You?
And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?
²² I hate them with perfect hatred;
I count them my enemies.

²³ Search me, O God, and know my heart;
Try me, and know my anxieties;
²⁴ And see if there is any wicked way in me,
And lead me in the way everlasting.

Tears were flowing when I read the highlighted part. I felt so touched and remorseful because I failed to realise that I was actually a very precious being to God. He was telling me that I was "fearfully and wonderfully made".

I guess, all this while I had been ignorant and indifferent. I knew that I was saved by His blood, but I tried to avoid taking it personally. In fact, I was "afraid" to attend this Retreat because I was afraid that He was going to ask me to do things that I was reluctant to do. 

Nonetheless, I felt lost, and could not understand why I had to face challenges and obstacles that I never thought would happen on me. I needed some rest and I thank God because I took the step of faith to attend this Retreat.

So, on the first evening, God comforted me with these very words. I felt so blessed to find my indentity in Him again. I felt peace in my heart, despite the circumstances I was in. I felt grateful because He did not abandon me. I felt rested in His arms. I felt that I could just let go and let God.

Dear Father Lord,

I thank You for your comfort as I come before You today. I thank You for the peace that You had given me. I thank You for not letting go of my hand, just like how You had shown me the vision when I was 15. I thank You that despite the challenges that I am facing, You had given me the assurance that You are taking control and You will be with me to overcome everything. My heart is full of gratitude that words cannot explain how I feel. I just want to thank You for everything. Jesus, You had been my best friend, and will be my best friend in the days to come. I pray that I will continue to grow in You and as I mature as a Christian, I will be able to be the salt and light to the world. I need You, Lord, to walk with me and give me guidance throughout this journey.

In Jesus' precious name I pray, Amen~

Walk for the Freedom to Walk

The Peaceful Assembly Bill which was passed on 29th November 2011 would have the capability of robbing our constitutional rights as a citizen. One comment on Malaysiakini: "I can't believe i am protesting for my RIGHTS to protest".

My colleague sms me last night and asked whether I would like to participate in this Walk. Frankly, I have no such intention because I seldom care about the affairs in our country (shame on me, yes). Nonetheless, I was on standby with my court attire and on the way to office, my colleague sms me again. I am not as passionate as my colleague to have the intention to do something for the country (shame on me again, yea).

When I reached the office, she forwarded an excerpt of the President of the Bar Council's explanation of the Bill and for some reason, I had the sudden urge to attend. I went online to read about this Bill and felt unpeaceful about it. I made a prayer and said, "Lord, if you want me to go, please let me have my boss' approval".

Prayer answered and I was all set to go. When I reached the place, I could not believe that I was doing something like this. Well, those who know me will understand why I am saying this; and as mentioned earlier, why should I even bother myself with all these, and mind you, there is a possibility of being arrested by the police.

I see members of the Bar getting ready for the walk, and tried to understand the impact of this Bill when I was there. At 12:30, we started our walk to Parliament. When we were about to reach, we could see the police with those shields (erm, you call it FRU?). For the first time in my life, I brought myself in such a situation. In my mind I was wondering, what if they attack us? What should I do? What if I am arrested? What would my parents' reaction be IF they see me on TV?

There were four (4) of us from our firm who participated in this "illegal" Walk. As we cannot enter the Parliament, we need to wait outside. We followed the "leaders" to shout:
"Bebas, bebas!"
"Bebas Himpun!"
"Hidup Rakyat!"
"Hidup Bebas!"
and the like~

We also tried to get the motorist to honk their vehicle when they passed by us. Whenever there was such support, we would cheer. We left at about 13:00 because we had to work (half day gone, that's why I am still here :p)

When I was shouting the slogans with other participants, I felt very touched by the acts and supports of the members of the Bar. In fact, I was close to tears. My colleague was telling me this, "Lawyers deal with the law, and we are the "best" people to voice out this protest because we know what are the implications".

I want to share out my insights on this experience and hope that all of us will take a step further to pray for our country. We make not be able to see the impact of this now, but what about the future, when our children will be living here under the system of this country?

Freedom of Assembly, Freedom of Speech, Freedom of Expression & Freedom of RELIGION! This Bill may in a way, affect all these freedoms that are entitled to us under the Federal Constitution~

With Ms Ambiga

I did nothing but to walk and give my minimal support to the Bar. As Malaysians, I hope all of us will give our support in our prayers. Let's pray for Malaysia!

YESUSLAH TUHAN YANG LAYAK DITINGGIKAN
LAYAK DISEMBAH OLEH SUKU-SUKU BANGSA
DENGAN DARAH-MU, KAU TELAH TEBUS DOSAKU
GENAPI TUHAN FIRMAN-MU ATAS NEG’RIKU

REFF:
HATIKU RINDU MELIHAT KEMULIAAN-MU
HATIKU RINDU MELIHAT CURAHAN KUASA-MU
DI TANAH TERCINTA NEG’RIKU MALAYSIA
KUBERDOA MALAYSIA PENUH KEMULIAAN-MU
MALAYSIA BAGI KEMULIAAN-MU

YA ALLAHKU NYATAKAN KEMULIAAN-MU
YA ALLAHKU NYATAKAN CURAHAN KUASA-MU
DI TANAH TERCINTA NEG’RIKU MALAYSIA
KUBERDOA MALAYSIA PENUH KEMULIAAN-MU
MALAYSIA BAGI KEMULIAAN-MU