Bread and Fish continues...

Just had a wonderful Planning Session with the ladies at SAF Yacht Club and Luke 9 continues to be on my thoughts for PLAN 2009. It was clear in our review that perhaps our pipeline will be weak and we might not have enough bread and fish to offer BUT the Lord encouraged me greatly when our Mission Statement for our Activity session was shared. I realise during the sharing that we may just have FIVE Loaves of Bread (Pita Bread here)

Power of
People -
Potential
Passion
Performance

AND TWO FISH

Fulfill
Fruitful

http://www.olivetree-services.com/aboutus.php

Luke 9:16-17
Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread and fish to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers!

Father, please multiply what we have and provide for all the people. We will be grateful for any leftovers! Amen!

Five loaves of bread and Two Fish...

This passage challenges me... I was praying and was led to the passage again. Was thinking out loud where to find jobs for people who were retrenched and also what's for the coming year? There are already a trickle of people that were directed to us... through various contacts and sources. There was even a suggestion to compile the list to see what's the number...

What do we do? Direct them to where? Send them away? Yes! That was in my thought... Send them away.

But, Jesus said,"YOU FEED THEM!"

"Huh? We don't even have enough openings with all the headcounts freeze! You kidding us right?? We only have a couple of openings, that's all we have. Don't even know how to even share among us? You really expecting us to???"

I did not dare to thread further.... need to contemplate further.... can't imagine any further. But I know, at least for now, that Jesus fed 5000 men excluding women and children that day by looking towards heavens and bless the 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish... whatever that the twelve have.

Jesus Feeds Five Thousand (Luke 9)

10 When the apostles returned, they told Jesus everything they had done. Then he slipped quietly away with them toward the town of Bethsaida. 11 But the crowds found out where he was going, and they followed him. He welcomed them and taught them about the Kingdom of God, and he healed those who were sick.

12 Late in the afternoon the twelve disciples came to him and said, “Send the crowds away to the nearby villages and farms, so they can find food and lodging for the night. There is nothing to eat here in this remote place.”

13 But Jesus said, “You feed them.”

“ “Impossible!” they protested. “We have only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered. “Or are you expecting us to go and buy enough food for this whole crowd?” 14 For there were about 5,000 men there.


Jesus replied, “Tell them to sit down in groups of about fifty each.” 15 So the people all sat down.


16 Jesus took the five loaves and two fish, looked up toward heaven, and blessed them. Then, breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread and fish to the disciples so they could distribute it to the people. 17 They all ate as much as they wanted, and afterward, the disciples picked up twelve baskets of leftovers!

Surreal. To God be the GLORY!

I had the most surreal experience recently. So surreal that I am still in a daze thinking about it. During my silent retreat in September after a 40 min prayer, I was reflecting and journaling down on the prayer and seeking the Lord on what's the next step for Olive Tree in Capitol Building (see also http://julieteo.blogspot.com/2008/10/capitol-building.html).

I asked boldly for God to please let us stay, I desire to stay because He led us here. It was an impossible situation then because the Government had already offered us compensation to shorten the lease. In the quietness, the Word from Jeremiah 32:27 "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?" jump out at me!

My response immediatey with a hearty and amazed laugh: "You win liao lor! Nothing is ever too hard for you mah! Although I want to just believe and claim at that moment. I was honestly trying to believe and to adopt a wait and see attitude.

Who actually can foretell the economic crisis just 4 months back??? Everything just took a turn in just 2 months! God, the Creator of Heavens and Earth can! He knows and hold the future!

Today, I finally received the official letter from the government to confirm that my lease will STAY till Feb 2010 given the current circumstances and market conditions.

I am exhilarated with JOY and WONDER! I am humbled by His grace and providence for us here in Olive Tree. I am so grateful and amazed at what He can do. Indeed, NOTHING is too hard for HIM. Amen.

But I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God;

I trust in God's unfailing love for ever and ever.

I will praise you forever for what you have done;

in your name I will hope, for your name is good.

I will praise you in the presence of your saints.

Psalm 52:8-9

Evangeline, my JOY!

Evangeline is really a JOY in my life. She is constantly doing things that amazes me, thankfully in a good way.

Her Exams

This is the first time I see her more discipline in her preparation. But most importantly, she kept a prayer journal for it. The dad excitedly told me about it and we decided to 'privy' it because the curiosity was just too great. The revelation was exhilarating! She prayed just like the mother! What's most heartening is that her faith is anchored in a God that she is so closely dependent upon. With that knowledge, this is one exam that I am not the least bit anxious or concern. HER PATH WILL BE DIRECTED BY ALMIGHTY GOD! True enough, her email to me tonight brought me JOY again.

"Mummy, I am very happy about my exams. Thanks for your help! I am very happy I improve my exams! I love you! I hope that I would go to a better class!"

Her Personal Evangelism

Living out to her name, she shared with me what happened to her at Sailing Class while I was driving. She was in a boat with her friend. The weather was dark and the sea was choppy with distant thunder. As usual, they talked a lot but this time round, on GOD! She told her friend, "Do you know that God is very powerful?". Her friend answered,"Is it? Prove it to me!". Evangeline told me that once she heard it, she decided to pray quietly for the sea to be calm. In her innocence and faith, THE SEA WAS SUDDENLY CALM! And her friend indeed believed. They were both thankful at the moment with the calm sea and waves to continue their sailing. She told me she was so glad God answered her prayers. 

I am glad too and I silently prayed her gift will manifest. Isn't she a Joy?

Divine purpose in an ambiguous situation

James 3:17
But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

I was caught off guard in a fiery discussions which I thought was extremely ridiculous, unreasonable and inconceivable. Letting my head rules instead of my heart, I spoke out an unanimous truth from all directly and the situation turned worst. It's not about me.

No one dares to speak the truth because truth can really hurts. Worst when it will bring anger and leads to murder. Who would dare speaks unless one really loves? Also, it may not even be received with grace and thankfulness!

In not speaking the truth, it will also hurts. Fear becomes the ruling spirit.

Speaking the truth without being considerate and bear no good fruit, not wise at all.

In the end, I was foolish. Hoping truth will at last prevail.

Of course I was wrong and I should have guessed it and shut my mouth. But I still have a fickle of hope that one can SEE. But I was to be disappointed.

My hope? Prayer.

Quoting from Soul Feast by M.J. Thompson, p40
Our confidence in the power of prayer is rooted in the promises that God is continually working for good in the midst of ambiguous situations and that God's purposes will prevail in the end. The divine word does not return to God empty (Isaiah 55:11). Love is the only power capable of enduring all things. It remains immovable after all else has fallen away. Therefore we can ask for eyes to see where God is already at work and a spirit ready to cooperate with God's activity in any given circumstance. The more fully we entrust ourselves to God, the more freely God's loving purpose can be worked out.

Father in Heaven, let the truth be revealed and your purpose will prevail in the end. Else I will feel really really sad and disappointed for a long time. I entrust everyone fully to You for your loving purposes to be worked out. In Jesus' Name, Amen!

Martins, the Nigerian

Not in my wildest would I ever imagine employing a Nigerian in my company. What more he will be the only male employee in a bunch of noisy, oops not all though, women.

I was introduced to Martins by a Nigerian classmate who is a pastor in a local church. Martins finished his Masters in Informational Studies in NTU but was unable to get a job for more than 6 months and his grace by the government to stay here is running out. He came to see me for help and I was not surprised that he would have difficulty finding any job in Singapore. The famous Nigerian scam is so ingrained in most people minds and what more Martins belong to the really really dark (black) race. If not for the fact that I know he was a christian boy, I was actually a little apprehensive in meeting him but my heart rules otherwise.

During the meeting, I was sure I would not be able to help him find any job in Singapore and strangely, I can see Martins' desperate cries in his heart although he did not share it. I actually felt compassionate towards him and after talking to my partner, I decided to try him for something workable for us. I did test the Lord that if it is His will for Martins to work with us, then let him be able to get a S pass here at the salary we are going to pay him. Martins and his pastor were not able to believe it would work and in the end, I witnessed yet again God's graciousness in taking care and providing for this young man through us.

Although Martins' performance is like a yo-yo, he was very very sincere in learning and I really like his attitude in receiving feedback positively. He is also a humble young man and sincerely loves the Lord Jesus Christ. His presence became a unique factor in Olive Tree as people visited the office or we went out for lunch. After close to ten months working with us, Martins took my advise to look for opportunity in the Finance Sector which is his inner most passion and desire. He managed to get a new job back home.

31st October will be Martins' last day with us and he will be flying back home mid November. I am sad to say Good Bye to Him but I am also assured that our Lord will always be with Him. I wish him all the best back home and the Lord to bless him immensely!

I would treasure Martins' parting email letter to us ...

I absolutely would not like to sound official as I consider myself detaching from a family all for a glorious new beginning. Surely this family had extended to me an olive branch at one of the lowest ebbs of my life. I could remember vividly when the journey started. I never envisaged the kind of acceptance from you all and am most grateful to the lord for it. God can’t be more gracious to me than this.

Sister Catherine an exact replica of my mum, I really appreciate your drive and passion and trying to instill in me the never say die attitude. I would always remember you for that. Sister Tricia, your contributions and sisterly advice are most appreciated. Sister Liboey, I guess I had been kind of frustrating at some point in this journey due to my incessant lack of detail, maybe I should let you know that I never for once thought it’s a big issue I had to come to terms with until I met you. For that I will never forget you, thanks for the patience and love in trying to make see these things as I adjust gradually to a more detailed and perfectionist approach to life and career.

Sister Sock, though might not have worked extensively with you but I really appreciate those little moments in sharing with me on how to improve ones productivity career wise. They are thoughtful moments I must confess. Sister Janet thanks so much for your love and care all this while. I draw strength from those assuring eyes of yours everyday. Reace though meeting you a short while, I still would like to say that you are most appreciated too. At this juncture it’s absolutely impossible to forget my adorable Jenny. From the word go, you have been more than a sister and life in the office had never for once been boring. You always make me have a reason to open my teeth every day, all in response to your jokes and sociable lifestyle. I will miss you so much.

I have enjoyed my stay here and I appreciate having had the opportunity to work with you all. Thank you for the support both physically, spiritually, guidance, and encouragement you have provided me during my time at Olive Tree. Even though I will miss you all, I strongly look forward to a new challenge and to starting a new phase of my career in the coming weeks.

Lastly Sister Julie, you accepted me in totality and gave me a reason to believe that I have a future out there that I must not allow to slip away. My mother in Singapore, God bless your family and all your ways. It is my prayer that the blessings of God on this organization will know no boundaries and its sustenance in the lord will never be put to question in Jesus name.

With Love,

Martins.K. Amusan

All Saints' Day - Our Marriage Anniversary Date, November 1.

November 1, 2008 will be our 11th anniversary. I remembered deciding on the date for our marriage in end 96 and I picked November 1, 1997 as 17 January is my birthday and 1 and 7 are my favourite numbers. Nearing the date of our wedding after confirming everything with the Cathedral and had everything firmed up, I received a call that a celebration that day might not be possible!!!!! This brought shock to us as all cards were printed and sent. Reason given, that day is All Saints' Day and it is observed in the Cathedral usually with fasting and prayer. We are throwing a Wedding Feast! Well, thankfully, an exception was given by the Dean and the wedding could go ahead.

I was reflecting on our 11 years of marriage and the significant of our wedding date (All Saints' Day) and it's meaning throughout the centuries. See below note.

I start to see that God is really making us Saints not only through martyrdom as an origin but using MARRIAGE as well. We need to constantly learn how to die to ourselves to obey the Word of God taught in the scriptures on marriage and the relationship between husbands and wives.

Many people have asked how did Edwin and myself sustain our marriage and remain loving and committed since we are really so different in many ways as individuals. Most had the perception that Edwin is a nice guy and assumed he would give in to me and I am the decision maker in the household. Well, I would declare that my dear hubby is the Head of the household and that is definitely not me. I can be more vocal and seems like wearing the pants, I am really a meek sheep within. 

The truth is, we die to ourselves and obey His words since we take the vow of Holy Matrimony years back.
Ephesians 5 on Wives and Husbands
22Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, of which he is the Savior. 24Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
25Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her 26to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, 27and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. 28In this same way, husbands ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29After all, no one ever hated his own body, but he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ does the church— 30for we are members of his body. 31"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh. 32This is a profound mystery—but I am talking about Christ and the church. 33However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

For a person like me in my younger days to submit to my husband was tough! I was 'smarter' than him (he agrees wholeheartedly so I am being truthful here, he always said I am running on double CPU power), I did better in my career and when we were married, all expenses were mostly covered by me to the extent I had to hide from my parents. So in the world sense, to submit was really not logical and of course I struggled gravely. The world equates power and money as Authority in Decision Making. I always content that I am one who would obey the Lord wholeheartedly and verse 22 above slapped my face really hard one day when I was sharing in a cell group. Submit to your husband as to the Lord and submit to him in everything! I really could not relate at all! How? I cried. I searched and I prayed. I got frustrated and I pray again. I was upset and I seek God with a focus.  And the Lord showed me the KEY.

The husbands were commanded to love their wives as their own bodies as clearly dictated as well in the passage above. Wow, that seems like a higher order. I must declared that Edwin lives the word he preaches. I can be unreasonable and he can calmly directs me. I tested his patience and he mediated on 1 Cor 13! Well, he loves me and put me first in his life, of course below God but that is good enough for me to submit to him as to the Lord and in everything. In my cheeky thoughts, I always laugh and tell him that he is to be accounted to God for all actions in the household for he makes the decisions. I am sincerely glad with the fact that I am free from making decisions especially if consequences are great for the household. Not that I can't but I trust His holy order for a family. 

I am sure Edwin died to himself to obey God to love me too. See, he was made a Saint loving me. And me too, I was made a Saint loving him and submitting to him. We both have to DIE to SELF to make the marriage works. It is hard work to die to ourselves. The sad fact remains though, marriages are broken because each party choose to love himself or herself more. They satisfy themselves rather than their spouse and they turn their eyes off the Words of God.

We are not a perfect couple but we trust in God's faithfulness and love for us especially for our marriage. We listen to His guidance and take steps to obey what He taught. It is a hard task and journey but we pressed on. We look forward to the crowns that He will place upon us together. We strive to be His SAINTS one day!

Indeed, how significance can our marriage date be? And I know deep within, He has chosen this date for us to seal this gift. Another 1 and 7, James 1:17, the anchor verse for our wedding day 11 years ago.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

In my internal struggles before our marriage, God spoke to me in an audible voice clearly, "Julie, stop rejecting what I am giving you, you know that I have always given you the best and Edwin is my perfect gift for you!" After 11 years of marriage, I am still testifying that Edwin is indeed a perfect gift from the Lord in my life.

He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. James 1:18

Remember All Saints Day, Remember it is our wedding anniversary, Remember we strive to be Saints in our marriage and life! This is my own call to REMEMBER!

All Saints' Day, feast of the Roman Catholic and Anglican churches, and day on which churches glorify God for all God's saints, known and unknown. It is celebrated on Nov. 1 in the West, since Pope Gregory IV ordered its church-wide observance in 837. Its origin lies earlier in the common commemorations of martyrs who died in groups or whose names were unknown, which were held on various days in different parts of the Church; over time these celebrations came to include not only the martyrs but all saints. During the Reformation the Protestant churches understood “saints” in its New Testament usage as including all believers and reinterpreted the feast of All Saints as a celebration of the unity of the entire Church.

Plans

Jeremiah 29:11 is a widely quoted and memorized verse:


For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.


Plans are expected of us daily, in every kind of circumstances. Strategic Plans, Career Plans, Family Plans, Ministry Plans, Business Plans, Financial Plans, Education Plans...

Definition of Plans by American Heritage Dictionary:

- A scheme, program, or method worked out beforehand for the accomplishment of an objective: a plan of attack.
- A proposed or tentative project or course of action: had no plans for the evening.
- A systematic arrangement of elements or important parts; a configuration or outline: a seating plan; the plan of a story.
- A drawing or diagram made to scale showing the structure or arrangement of something.
- In perspective rendering, one of several imaginary planes perpendicular to the line of vision between the viewer and the object being depicted.
- A program or policy stipulating a service or benefit: a pension plan.

Plans need to be devised. Plans need to be thought through and implemented. I have many plans in life but I don't like to plan. Ironical as it sounds, I have no confidence with my thoughts and plans. I pray constantly for God to reveal His perfect plans for me, plans for a hope and future.

Proverbs has been my best source of insights to Plans. It provides me assurances and wisdom for plans from the time I acknowledged Jesus as my Saviour.

Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 15:22

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed. Proverbs 16:3

In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. Proverbs 16:9

The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty. Proverbs 21:5

Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails. Proverbs 19:21

With such promises and hope from the Word of God, what then are my PLANS in life?

I PLAN to simply live. Simply live for Him.

Capitol Building

It was with great gratitude whenever I step into the office. It was a gift from God and it was perfect. The location, the price, the renovations, the size, the furnitures, the paintings. Everything was directed by Him and Him alone and it was perfect.

Whenever I come into the office, I am still amazed at how He had led me to rent this beautiful office. He gave me the vision of the place before I found it. In clear, crystal voice, I heard Him breathe into my ears when I was driving along Cathedral, "Capitol Building" when I was desperately seeking to find a new office. Again I heard Him, not once but twice when I drove past the building on another occasion. When God speaks, it will come to pass. I still stand in awe remembering how He had led me to view and choose this very office and location through His specific intervention.

"Father, thank you!" We are so so grateful and priviledge to enjoy your blessings and gift going to work daily.

But Capitol Building is going to be put on sale by the government for redevelopment, most probably to a hotel. And SLA is asking us to vacate earlier before our tendency ends by mid next year. A notice was given and we need to respond.

I am torn and lost. Sovereign LORD, what is your purpose? I know without doubt that great is your purpose and mighty is your deed. But what should I do? Lead us all to walk in your perfect will. Help us to make wise decision!

Jesus, please speak to me clearly again. Declare your plans and will for Olive Tree.

Jeremiah 32:27 "I am the LORD, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?

"Ah, Sovereign LORD, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you." Jeremiah 32:17

I will sing, I will seek, I will pray, I will wait ... Lord, help us!

Accomplishments

The recent financial turmoils is like a roller coaster ride. You will never know what the next drop will be like. Fear is felt everywhere and the ringing word in my mind has always been Perfect love casts out fear. Can our fear be cast out so easily? We read news of people with great accomplishments losing their wealth overnight. Jobs lost and bonus gone for the savvy investment bankers. The future is indeed bleak and unsettling. I am of course worried especially in running businesses. Rent, Wages, Operations, Sales. Can we survive the next two years?

So in times like these, I seek comfort in His eternal Words

Isaiah 26
3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.
4 Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal. (Indeed He is!)

5 He humbles those who dwell on high, he lays the lofty city low; he levels it to the ground and casts it down to the dust.
6 Feet trample it down— the feet of the oppressed, the footsteps of the poor. (His judgement is sure)

7 The path of the righteous is level; O upright One, you make the way of the righteous smooth.
8 Yes, LORD, walking in the way of your laws, we wait for you; your name and renown are the desire of our hearts. (Seek His righteousness and live!)

9 My soul yearns for you in the night; in the morning my spirit longs for you. When your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness. (There is purpose in His judgement)

10 Though grace is shown to the wicked, they do not learn righteousness; even in a land of uprightness they go on doing evil and regard not the majesty of the LORD.
11 O LORD, your hand is lifted high, but they do not see it. Let them see your zeal for your people and be put to shame; let the fire reserved for your enemies consume them. (I pray against greed in our land.... the cause of many downfalls)

12 LORD, you establish peace for us;
all that we have accomplished you have done for us.

I thank God for the peace that guards my heart, as all my accomplishments have been done by Him alone. Amen.

Badminton yesterday night...

Wing finally booked a badminton court in Simei for exercise after years of 'talk' but no action. And we invited 1980s Selangor state player Robert, Primary School team player Rico, Singapore National player Dino who brought along Nathan (potential player to be), F&N player Janet, Secondary School National player Julie and All Rounder Wing Hong for a night for friendly competition.

As it turned out, it wasn't as friendly a game as we envisgaed it to be. It was competitve all the way!!!! Sock our Cheerleading Squad attributed it to so many 'D's in our midst. Li Boey's timely SMS said it well, "A group of 30s, 40s and 50s need not prove ourselves, have fun". I beg to differ cause as we played, I kind of remised my old days in school and we all tried to play as it were.... of course not as sharp an execution in our youth but no doubt the ideas were all present. We were all out to win!

Looking at all the players, Rico and Robert encouraged me. Both were able to fly around the court with zeal and strength. One at 45 and the other at 33 (the baby). I could only conclude that one is still young and the other exercised regularly and is more fit than most of us. Then it dawned on me that we are not far off in age between the two. Thank God I see Uncle Dino, at 53 and is still fit as a fiddle! He was able to execute well with his towering presence. I look forward to be able to still play at that age...

Can it happen for me 15 to 20 years later.... hmmm..... possibly if we make this a regular event and we exercised consistently.

Wing, err.... I am sure we see our physical weakness. Let's not practise in our minds anymore so that we can played with all our kids in our 50s. The youths are gamed to play regularly and perhaps we can invest our time with them first.

Yoke

Guess what? All my sisters and brothers-in-law had a good laugh last Sunday at Family Gatherings. We bought a real yoke from Chiang Mai! Edwin and myself were browsing at some furniture and antiques and we chance upon the Yoke. We first thought it was a bow. I casually mention this was the only 'stuff' we could carry it back to Singapore. It turned out that it was indeed a Yoke used by Bulls for farming. As we gazed, we are reminded yet again on Matthew 11: 28-30:

28"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

We gamely bought the Yoke back! We know it would remind us forever that the Lord's Yoke is always easy and His burden light. Now, the Yoke is waiting for a prominent location to display itself...

Silent. Grace. Gratefulness!

It was with anticipation that I felt led to go ahead to the silent retreat centre, Seven Fountain http://7fountains.wordpress.com/ at Chiang Mai. Thank God I survived. The hard mattress and pillow for 4 nights was the only tough 'problem' encountered, otherwise I actually enjoyed the whole process.

Everything was quiet at the retreat centre. Really quiet except the cries of insects and birds. I was caught in another unfamiliar world...

What touched me the most was all the little graces I received from our heavenly Father who knows my heart and knows all my desires. The rain, the beautiful waterfalls, the squirrels, the labyrinth, the trees, the meaty meals (I thought I need to be a vegetarian there!) which was excellent feasts, the doll cafe, the keyboard, the book entitled "Prayer" ... and most important and precious, HIS PRESENCE!

Oh, how I have missed the undivided attention and time I got to enjoy with my Saviour, the Lover of my soul. He was so gentle and sweet, knowing my every thoughts... and without me saying out loud, He prepared for all my unprepared concerns and needs, just so I can rest with HIM. Such Grace is beyond my imagination. Only He and He alone searched and know us, His created.

Psalm 139:1-4
O LORD, you have searched me and you know me.
You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.
You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.
Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely, O LORD.

What can I say? I am so thankful, I am so grateful. I am so blessed to have the Creator of Heavens and Earth to be my Lord and Saviour! What more can I ask?

Theology of the Glory and the Cross

“A theology of glory works like that. It operates on the assumption that what we need is optimistic encouragement, some flattery, some positive thinking, some support to build our self-esteem. Theologically speaking it operates on the assumption that we are not seriously addicted to sin, and that our improvement is both necessary and possible. We need a little boost in our desire to do good works.”

Gerhard Forde, On Being a Theologian of the Cross p.16

Old friend from London

What is old??? Age I guess. But age is always moving and this is sad. Well, my lawyer girlfriend from school is back for a month with her 3 beautiful kids. I am so amazed seeing her take care and handle 3 kids, age 4 plus, 3 plus and 1 plus alone without any helper! We Singaporeans are so spoilt. Sign. But I seriously don't know how to do without help so I salute all mothers who give up career to take care of their children on their own. Keep it UP!

As I have declared off on Monday, I have called some of our old friends to my place for swim and pizza with the kids. The children had great fun in the pools! I am so ever grateful for friends in my life. We may not meet or talk often but somehow the days we spent as teenagers are so strong and memorable. We bonded so easily in school then and now beside getting older, we really have not change much from the inside. 24 years is a long time and yet, most of us friends are still in touch and regularly updating our lives.

I thank and praise God for friends. "A friend loves at all times, and a brother/sister is born for adversity." Proverbs 17:17. So many of my friends have gone through adversities with me and I always wonder if not for friends, how are we able to sail through life? God is His grace and wisdom blesses us with friends. And I give thanks with a sincere heart.

I pray to the God of Heaven to bless all my friends to know Him and live the most fruitful and fulfilled life on earth. Wish I can list them all here but rest assured friends, they are all in my prayer journals. So when I die and you attend my funeral years years later, please remember to read them.

National Day

National Day was a fun filled day for the whole Teo's family except for Janet who could not make it. We had a wonderful picnic at East Coast. We also roller blade and cycle, play ball and yes, badminton on a very windy and cloudy day! Jasmine even bring her dog which is the first time we have met. However all activities ceased with a sudden downpour. Of course our mood were not affected and in high spirit, we move on to Carl's Junior and then proceed to Jess's place for dinner and more family bonding. I even got time to buy a new pair of blades!

I really love my family! It is so good to have a big loving family and I thank God for His love and faithfulness to us all. Thank you Jesus and please continue to lead and guide us together. Please bring our parents into our midst and allow them to receive your grace and mercy and your unconditional love. I pray in your mighty name!

TRADE

Watch this DVD alone in the middle of the night. It is a documentary drama on sex traffickers in Mexico City to America which reflects the global scene as well. A 13 years old girl was kidnapped and her 17 years old brother went all out to save her through difficult obstacles till he met a cop who becomes his ally.

Thank God the show ends with the girl being saved. However it makes me think about the many who were lost and condemned for life. Who is going to save these innocent children and women who were kidnapped and sold against their will.

God give us free will but their wills are taken away by force and fear.

I think about the Asean countries nearer to home which I am sure have more of such crimes happening more than in America. We read about Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia... even China.

Who can save them? My only comfort.... The Lord Jesus who was and is to come. I know He has compassion for the oppressed and He will delivers them. I prayed for all the innocent children who were sold in the sex trade around the world. Please Lord Jesus, set them free and guard over them. Destroy their devourers! In Jesus' Name, AMEN!

Night Owl

Back from a week's trip with family and immediately fell really ill. Sign! How true is it that we always need a break to recuperate for the last break. Was weak all over and slept most afternoons but later turn to night owls for consecutive 3 nights. Must remember that late nights are not good for complexion and health. Sign. Am weak on this, can't break this habit of being a night owl.

I love the silence of the nights. Time when I can just watch the TV alone when the whole world sleeps. I can journal and pray and also do some quiet reflections without disturbances.

Was reading a blog and felt inspired to do likewise. Not that I need to but felt it is a good tool to start me thinking and reflecting more... but am still struggling on how much to share. Will start reading more blogs to learn the art of blogging.

Learning how to Blog!

I am learning how to blog from Lydia , (Woman in Black). Today, we had a birthday and welcome lunch celebration.

Catherine is going to be 36 end of month! We also welcomed TK into our midst as the third man after Joel and Martins in our little family of WOMEN! NOISY WOMEN!


We had a great and simple lunch at Long House (Upper Thomson). Catherine recommended the Korean food and it was great. What I like best was the Chicken Rice stall 'yu sheng'! Fresh and tasty! The following are some pictures taken from Catherine's Birthday celebration in the office. Dear Catherine, we pray God's abundant blessings into your life as a friend, as a mother, as a wife and especially a child of Almighty God!

Not forgetting TK, who just joined us. Our Da Ge (since he is clearly the eldest). We ask the Lord to bless you with Grace, Peace and JOY as you embark on this journey with us in Olive Tree!