Sabbatical - Seventh Stop - Kembangan, Singapore

We finally arrived back in Singapore! It was HOME HOT HOME back in Kembangan! Local delights welcome us and the only thing I was glad was that I won't have to unpack my luggage with my dependable and organized helper in the house!

We found Edwin nicely settled back into his routine but we were somehow miserable, missing the cool weather and experiencing the humidity and heat. The settling into the routine back home was also a reality that was painful to bear. I took a week off to ease myself back to the sudden change of pace.

The children had just a week to prepare and revise what they have missed in Singapore school work and to our horror, Evangeline's final exams was just two weeks away! I began to worry how she was able to take exams for eight subjects. It was a horrible feeling but we look it in good strides trusting in our Lord as He was the one who approved their Leave of Absence from school for the sabbatical and I am sure He will see the children through.

The only comfort is that all my family and friends are well and my mum in law's chemotherapy is progressing as planned and she is also comforted by Edwin's return and God's faithfulness. We also had a great time celebrating Mid Autumn with my siblings, nieces and nephews and it was a nice 'reunion' in a way for us all.

However, back to work, I was full of fear and anxiety as it seemed that the year may not end so well at the moment. I felt like crying. I really have to cling on to His words...

Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6, 7 NLT)

I do not know what would pen out as yet but I consciously mediated on His promises.

 

And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:8, 9, 13, 19 NLT)

 

'Dear Jesus, you are speaking to me and I know I need not worry but trust in you, FAITH - Full Assurance In The Heart, an acronym I read in Nick Vujicic's book 'Life Without Limits'. The assurance is that I should not look at the limitations but towards the possibilities. The hope that you are the one who works out everything good for those who love you, and you know we love you very much!'

This final Seventh Stop, although back into the familiarity of Singapore life, will remain the Stop for me at least to continue to journey on towards Peace in my heart and Perfection in my life through His mighty power and grace. The significant 7 indeed!

For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength. Amen!

Coming next, my final thoughts on the Sabbatical ...

Sabbatical - Sixth Stop - Bondi, Sydney

This is the final 10 days for us in Sydney and we have picked the famous Bondi beach to be our final Stop in Sydney. Weather had turned really warm as Spring approaches and the season was great for us to explore more of the city and beautiful sights around. We did much sightseeing, from the Grand Pacific Drive all the way to Kiama Blow Hole, swimming at Bronte Beach, horse riding in the west, sunset sailing for Evangeline and lots of shopping in city and outlets! It suddenly seems that time is running out and we have limited time to take in all that Sydney has to offer although we are already two and a half months here.

We have lots of discussions about life in general with the children, listened to their views and watched soap operas together almost every night. The bonding was wonderful and I was hoping time would stand still for us there and then. The thought of going back to Singapore was not one that we wanted to entertain.

 

During the final few days Edwin needed to fly back first as his mum was in hospital and yearned to see him. As our tickets were all sales fare, we stayed behind and arranged for his return flight. Without their daddy around, the girls were independent and responsible and proved to be dependent help. They helped me as much as they could and took videos for our remaining activities like shopping in China town and visiting William Clarke College Big Fun Day for their dad so that he did not have to miss much of what we encountered and experienced. I witnessed their love for their dad and it makes me really thankful and glad.

We had final farewell dinners with all the friends in Sydney and again, I experienced God's love through them, generous and thoughtful!

The only fear and stress we suffered was packing more than 100kg of luggage without Edwin on the last night of the sabbatical and going to the airport knowing we might have to pay Aud30 for every extra kg. That night, I regretted buying so many stuffs and praying very hard that God would grant us JOURNEY MERCY, a term I finally got to appreciate in this long journey. I needed mercy! On the way to the airport even though we have our angel friend who promised to standby to off load any excess baggages for us, I was still panicking...

 

Well, and of course, JESUS NEVER FAILS! We amazingly checked through every piece of luggage even though they were over the weight limit and truly, received mercy upon mercy. I personally experienced a miracle of losing and finding back my pouch in the most impossible situation just before we board the plane! It was unimaginable! No word for me to describe what I have felt. I could only say thank you, and thank you and thank you Jesus!

Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you. (Psalms 37:4, 5 NLT)

This promise was consistently experienced in every aspects in our Sixth Stop.

 

 

Sabbatical - Fifth Stop - Castle Hill, Sydney

It has been a long while since just the four of us stayed as ONE together, therefore Castle Hill will be a 'test' for us all as to we are going to 'survive' on our own without our faithful helper back home and supportive friends here. We rented a two bedrooms apartment as we gathered it would be easier to 'manage'. Everyone of us would be given tasks that we would normally not do back home.

So it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. (Romans 12:5 NLT)

 

1) Cooking, laundry - Julie (I found out too here that I did inherit my parents genes of culinary talent!)

2) Chauffeuring kids to school, cleaning whatever and throwing garbages - Edwin

3) Washing plates, pots and pans after meals - Evangeline

4) Folding clothes - Elissaline

5) Other chores and grocery shopping - All

 

As we come to an end of the stay, it seems like none of us enjoyed the tasks that we were doing! It is like what our belief back home told us what those tasks were - CHORES! Good grief! I found out that to give our children the best, not only do we provide them materially, we need to ingrained responsibility in their life. Although we hated the chores, we have to do it as we learn the various responsibilities of living as a family. I may not be the best coach for them but I read that it is important to equip them with godly wisdom, understanding and knowledge to live resourcefully and know the values of godliness, hard work, consistency and generosity. Thus, based on this precinct, this Stop was a great training ground for us all - Learning about these foundational life skills!

 

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. (Matthew 7:24, 25 NLT)

 

As my girls are 'a heritage from the Lord' (Psalm 127:3), they are amazing gifts from God for us to invest in them to live successfully! It was a great challenge here for us to know their needs and invest the right ingredients into building their lives. During this Stop, we talked a lot with one another, husband and wife, parents and child. There were deep sharing as we try to explore our inner thoughts and feelings. I thank God that both our girls are so secure and truly gifts from God in our lives. And for the wisdom of God in us to invest the right ingredients thus far into building their lives. They are happy, confident, contented and brilliant girls to our greatest delight. And we thank God for the wisdom in building them up.

Unless the Lord builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good. (Psalms 127:1 NLT)

 

The girls have no difficulty in going to a totally new school environment, doing their chores as per requested, trying sailing in different conditions, sleepover party and moving around as and when required. They make new friends in school and maintain friendships back home, studying here and trying to keep up with school work in Singapore (not an easy task)!  I am grateful with their progress and thank God with my heart filled with gratitude for raising them up to be fine women of God. They still have their difficult moments but truly they are good and perfect gifts from our heavenly Father! (James 1:17)

 



Evangeline's Instagram post! How true!

Here in Castle Hill, I have time finally to read and blog. Things I have yet to engage in for a long long time.... Reading and blogging helps me to reflect and think and pray along the way. In the busyness back home, it becomes something that I subconsciously choose to put aside, and after a week, it becomes a year that I don't even finished any books that I set up to read or some thoughts I wanted to keep in my blog. The consciousness of slowing down just to reflect is something that I simply treasure because I can find Him sharing intimate details of my life, encouraging and directing me in the process. Something I greatly missed. I felt really sorry for neglecting God at times like I have neglected reading. But I praise God because He is always there, like all my books seating and waiting at my bedside table or shelves patiently waiting for me to 'pick' them up! What a glorious truth of His love and everlasting presence!

 



I believed this Fifth Stop will be remembered forever by the four of us as it has given time and space for us during this Sabbatical to enjoy our uniqueness and differences as well as learning and experiencing the deep family love that is One in Christ!

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. (Colossians 3:14, 15 NLT)

 

 

 

 

Sabbatical - Fourth Stop - Hill Songs Conference, Sydney

The conference was planned a year ahead by my friend, they bought two extra tickets by faith last year and somehow the tickets were meant for us! Since we were in Sydney, and Hills Song Conference was so highly recommended, we decided to spend five days attending the whole conference as a family.

On the physical aspect, this conference stretched us to the limit! Never had I walked so much, stood up so long and eaten so much bread in a short span of five days! The Sydney Olympic Allphones Arena was filled to the brim every day, mornings and nights with more than thirty thousands people worshipping Jesus!

Basking in with thousands who love and worship God, I was very touched to be in their midst. This Song, "Oceans" especially touched the core of my being when I was there. Tears could not stop flowing as I sang...

Oceans (Where feet may fails)

You call me out upon the waters

The great unknown where feet may fail

And there I find You in the mystery

In oceans deep

My faith will stand

I will call upon Your name

And keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise my soul will rest in Your embrace For I am Yours and You are mine

Your grace abounds in deepest waters

Your sovereign hand

Will be my guide

Where feet may fail and fear surrounds me You've never failed and You won't start now

So I will call upon Your name

And keep my eyes above the waves

When oceans rise

My soul will rest in Your embrace

For I am Yours and You are mine

Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders Let me walk upon the waters Wherever You would call me Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander And my faith will be made stronger In the presence of my Savior

I will call upon Your Name

Keep my eyes above the waves

My soul will rest in Your embrace

I am Yours and You are mine

(End)

 

The song speaks for itself reflecting my anxieties and yet the hope and the promises of God are present even though I am weak and weary. He has never failed me and He won't start now. Jesus already has a plan for my life and He will guide me and lead me in my faith journey wherever He calls me. The accompanied teachings and sharing by all the men of faith also greatly encouraged me to press on in this season. Ephesians 3:20 resounds again and again in my heart. GOD IS ABLE TO DO EXCEEDINGLY ABUNDANTLY MORE THAN WHAT WE ASK OR IMAGINE! I seriously can't imagine much what's more in life? In my family, in my work, in my ministry, in my relationships... What great unknown is out there? As Christ's glory is revealed, I prayed earnestly for a transformation and a revival of my heart. Jesus must come into the Now of my life as He is the life that satisfies (John 11:23, John 11:25). I am the stand up and recovery!

“You don’t have to wait for the End. I am, right now, Resurrection and Life. The one who believes in me, even though he or she dies, will live." (John 11:25 MSG)

Ruin comes to life in Lazarus (John 11), Ruin comes to life in prophetic power (Ezra 6:14).

 

"For we were slaves. Yet our God did not forsake us in our bondage; but He extended mercy to us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to revive us, to repair the house of our God, to rebuild its ruins, and to give us a wall in Judah and Jerusalem." (Ezra 9:9 NKJV)

God will Revive, Repair and Rebuild its ruins!

"There is the sound of wailing shepherds! For their glory is in ruins. There is the sound of roaring lions! For the pride of the Jordan is in ruins." (Zechariah 11:3 NKJV)

"For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth" (Job 19:25 NKJV)

I will start praising God, again and again ... Ezra 3:10

Ruins comes to life! Now! In the present! Amen and Amen!

Thank you Jesus for giving me LIFE!

Glorious Ruins

By Hill Songs

When the mountains fall

And the tempest roars You are with me

The cross before me, the world behind...

When creation folds

Still my soul will soar on Your mercy

PRE-CHORUS

I'll walk through the fire

With my head lifted high

And my spirit revived in Your story

And I'll look to the cross

As my failure is lost

In the light of Your glorious grace

CHORUS

Let the ruins come to life

In the beauty of Your Name

Rising up from the ashes

God forever You reign

And my soul will find refuge

In the shadow of Your wings

I will love You forever

And forever I'll sing

 

When the world caves in

Still my hope will cling to Your promise Where my courage ends Let my heart find strength in Your presence

(End)

 

I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS, NO TURNING BACK, NO TURNING BACK!

Sabbatical - Third Stop - Kellyville, Sydney

Informix was a very special company to me as a young professional working in my first MNC of my career at least 18 years ago. It was such a unique organization that I know I would remembered it for life not just for the company but for the people I have met and grown together in that company. I was the youngest to be recruited then by the same boss. He recruited me although I have had zero knowledge of software or even Information Technology. It must have seemed very strange to all the colleagues then as I was super clueless about everything. Yet somehow you know without a doubt that God had placed me there for a purpose. Perhaps it is because I have always wanted to have bigger sisters and brothers in my life. Being born in January and being the eldest grandchild of the whole Teo Clan, I have never being placed in an environment where I could ever be the 'youngest' in terms of age and experiences.

In this special company, I did receive amazing blessings to know the people there and have grown to love over the years. There, I experienced contrary to everything I have heard about politics, a culture of love, support and open sharing. Politics were minimal which was rare of any MNCs. Christian faith was exhibited amongst all those who knew Jesus Christ! I was indulged with wisdom, love and 'protection' from the older sisters and brothers there even to this day. Two of those brother and sister had migrated to Australia. They spoke of it 18 years back and it happened before my eyes that they have courageously migrated to Australia with their families. So as the privilege little sister (even though I have crossed 40) who is the youngest amongst them, I was well taken of in this Third Stop when I arrived in Sydney.

Pope John Paul said, "Nobody is so poor that he has nothing to give, and nobody is so rich he has nothing to receive." This willingness to give and receive was exhibited in this Third Stop as I witnessed the community I was in with our arrival from Perth to Sydney. My children received attention and encouragement whilst studying here in Sydney for an exchange. We received accommodation and meals from my brother and a car to transport us anywhere from my sister. When I told others they were my colleagues who were taking care of us in this foreign land, it was a shock to them. Do you really meet such colleagues in work, who give and receive from one another so graciously? I count myself blessed beyond measures to have this chance to live it out, I have the privilege to experience the truth of brotherhood and sisterhood in Christ.

Here in this Third Stop, I have enjoyed the many small gifts of life, the many graces: good meals, good friends, sending my girls to school, coaching them, reading books and completing them, attending different services, supporting food fair, going to Hill Song Conference together with family, walking dogs, watching movies, shopping and sightseeing.....  There are no stress or expectations at all in this Third Stop but for us to be prepared and to rest as much as we desire for the next Stops! Such graciousness to enjoy our stay and to REST. And I know my brother and sister and their family are still there for us so long we are here in Sydney. They are always present and never imposing, like our Father to us.

 

Thank you big brother and big sister and your family hosting us who have made this Stop such a delightful journey in this Sabbatical. We have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves especially the presence of such treasured and rare friendships in this community of faith. I pray this special kinships will continue for the rest of our journey on earth, wherever we are ...



There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother/sister. (Proverbs 18:24 NLT)
  

Sabbatical - Second Stop - Venice by the Beach, Perth

In Perth, we have the joy of having treasured friends from Singapore to come and spend five days holidaying together. They managed to book a beautiful beach house in Rockingham called Venice Retreat with five bedrooms, plus game room for all 9 of us and the house was a splendid blessing even in winter!

 

As we spend our days bringing the kids out, movies, sand boarding, shopping etc, we also spent considerable time chatting, talking as we prepare dinners and BBQ, and of course trying different beers and wines. Time really flies during our time together and when it was time for them to leave, we felt emotional, especially for Edwin.

 

There are many friendships in our lives and as per any relationships, efforts are needed to maintain, nurture and grow them. Since our personalities, characters and behaviors are all so different, working towards love and bonding could be an intricate affair. The more we treasure the relationships, the more we have to protect them.

 

 

Just finished reading the book One Forever - The transforming power of being IN CHRIST and some thoughts cross my mind as I reflected on this second stop. During creation, the formless and empty world of Genesis 1:2 - something that had unity of uniformity - becomes, under God's hand, a diverse unity. It is made good by each part being made different (p17). The unity of humanity itself is, like creation, a unity in diversity.

 

We can be very different in many aspects yet we can be united in Christ, bearing God's image. Different characters can complement each other if we look at each other's strength and learn to appreciates the creative glory of God's creation, IN all of US! I witnessed how our friend slowed down for us although he would have gladly packed his day from 7am to 11pm covering more and seeing more and yet, knowing we are more laid back, choose to take the day slower with lesser activities. And here we get to appreciates our friend's strength in driving and organizing the whole party of 9. Our talks can also be heightened emotionally and sometimes light and joyous across the group and yet all parts fit together as one in this Second Stop, from young to old. We have enjoyed our diversity knowing we are united in Christ as brothers and sisters and Godparents, Godchildren here.

 

 

It will be a well remembered Stop, though very short but meaningful and fruitful in many ways. Thank you for making the efforts to hold this treasured friendship of many many years...

Sabbatical - First Stop - Mountain Circuit, Perth

I needed to share this and to give thanks to God, again, of course!

My secondary BF offered her place for us to stay in Perth. I was initially hesitant as we were arriving late after mid night and we have not met for three years! And prior to that many years were missed as we began our university, working and family lives... But C is one of my great buddy in secondary school whom we shared a lot during our teenage years and someone I would envisage to be BFF into eternity. Anyway, she offered decisively and I accepted her hospitality.

In the 10 days I share with my friend and her family. Fond memories and thoughts filled my mind and heart. There were so much to catch up! Her daughter is the same age as my elder girl and with my younger girl, they hit it off really well. To have this season to reconnect with old friends is really a God given opportunity as I reflect back.

This Stop is simply a blessing. Never felt so healthy in life with endless organic style breakfast and excellently prepared dinner with love and thoughtfulness throughout our stay at Mountain Circuit by my very hospitable friend and her lovely family.  Her daughter also gave up her room to sleep in the attic so that my two girls could share a room. C even arranged a CAMPING trip for us so that we can explore the great western frontier because we have never camped in our life before! I saw the efforts that she and her husband put in to prepare for the camp trip and I was in awe... not something I would do for a lifetime I guess... It was strange to be always 'looking after' others to suddenly being in a position to be recipients of being taken care of. I guess it takes humility to just receive from others. I am truly grateful. And the generous thoughtfulness to celebrate my husband's birthday was a sweet surprise!

Mountain Circuit was a wonderful base for us to see much of God's creation in Perth. In all the driving to the beaches, to see the farm animals and even trying sand boarding, I saw so much of God's glory in Creation. I am so small and He is so great! Yet He loves me and died for me so that I can be loved and be free. Thank you Jesus!

The passage in 2 Corinthians ring continuously in my mind as we indulges in our friend's generous hospitality.

Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. (2 Corinthians 9:6-11 NLT)

I thank God that He will continue to bless my generous friend.  I also praise God that He has taught me to love generously as a young teenager investing in friendships and relationships so that I can continue to receive all His generous love as I have grown. Sow sparingly and you will reap your 'harvests' in many fold! That reminded me that I must ingrain in my children to be a true friend like in Proverbs 17:17, "A friend is always loyal, and a brother (sister) is born to help in time of need."

To all my friends out there, thank you for being you! To C and all in your family, thank you for making our First Stop so special!

 

 

Sabbatical Begins ...

As the decision to take this three months away was made, my anxiety started to reduce and I was able to refocus on my Provider, trusting Him to take care of all our needs. A Sabbatical, according to Wikipedia, is a REST from work, or a break, often lasting from two months to a year. What is a REST will be what I plan to 'learn' as I begin this journey and season of my life as a family. We will be away in Australia for 90 days.

First day in Perth I realized that there were so many things to pack and organize that sadly, I did not pack a bible cos I have two iphones and an iPad with bible applications all downloaded. I felt it was missed until I am writing this reflection for my blog. Why did I not bring my bible? The only bible I like was the one I gave to my youngest sister and thereafter I was unable to find another one to replace. As I think about this, I am convicted that this trip in Australia I will find back the book that has given me so much wisdom and knowledge. I am looking forward to the Holy Spirit leading and empowering me. Let's see what's up?

Amazingly God has see to it what we have needed physically and provided for us generously! Accommodations in both Perth and Sydney, pocket wifi that will fire up my google map for traveling, fellowships and community that was well beyond what we have expected were all prepared in advance. Even materially, I was provided with an Audi instead of a Camry I have booked for 15 days in Perth! In Sydney, a dear friend even offered her car for me to drive till she needs it and guess what, it is a Station wagon Camry. I am so contented! I did not miss anything.

Physically although all the provisions are there, I am still tired, needy and spiritually dry.  Hopefully I will be reignited again at the hill song conference that we will be attending for five days in Sydney. As all the Stops begin, I will try to indulge myself first in His presence and see where the Spirit is leading.... And through the blog, perhaps the Lord will show me how to be IN CHRIST through it all as I learn to REST in HIM.

 

Examen of Consciousness - Something I learnt and now need to refocus!

This is a prayer where we try to find the movement of the Spirit in our daily lives as we reflect on our day. This prayer can be made anywhere: on the beach, in a car, at home, in the library. Many people make the Examen twice daily: once around lunchtime and again before going to bed. There are five simple steps to the Examen, which should take 10-15 minutes to complete, and what follows is just one interpretation of these five steps in discerning the movement of God’s Spirit in your day.

Through this method of praying you can grow in a sense of self and the Source of self; you can become more sensitive to your own spirit with its longings, its powers, its Source; you will develop an openness to receive the supports that God offers.

Before you start: Try to be in a place where you are least likely to be disturbed, and where there is the least amount of external noise. Perhaps you might light a candle or change the lighting when you pray to symbolise the start of this activity. Sit comfortably and still yourself; relax, be aware of your breathing, your body and how you are feeling.

1. Recall that you are in the presence of God. No matter where you are, hilltop or valley, country or city, in a crowd or alone, you are a creature in the midst of creation. As you quiet yourself, become aware that God is present within you, in the creation that surrounds you, in your body, in those around you. The Creator who brought you forth into being is concerned for you. The Spirit of God, sent by Christ, will remind you that you are gifted to help bring creation to its fullness. Ask the Holy Spirit to let you look on all you see with love. “Love is patient, love is kind, love is not jealous or boastful, it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; … it does not rejoice at wrong but rejoices in the right … Love hopes all things.” (1 Cor.)

2. Spend a moment looking over your day with gratitude for this day’s gifts. Be concrete and let special moments or pleasures spring to mind! Recall the smell of your morning coffee, the taste of something good that you ate, the laugh of a child, the fragrance of a flower, the smile brought forth by a kind word, a lesson that you learned. Take stock of what you received and what you gave. Give thanks to God for favors received. Also look at your permanent gifts that allow your participation in this day. Recall your particular strengths in times of difficulty, your ability to hope in times of weakness, your sense of humor and your life of faith, your intelligence and health, your family and friends. God the Father gives you these to draw you into the fullness of life. As you move through the details of your day, give thanks to God for His presence in the big and the small things of your life.

3. Ask God to send you His Holy Spirit to help you look at your actions and attitudes and motives with honesty and patience. “When the Spirit of truth comes he will guide you into all truth.” (John 16:13) The Holy Spirit inspires you to see with growing freedom the development of your life story. The Spirit gives a freedom to look upon yourself without condemnation and without complacency and thus be open to growth. Ask that you will learn and grow as you reflect, thus deepening your knowledge of self and your relationship with God.

4. Now review your day. This is the longest of the steps. Recall the events of your day; explore the context of your actions. Search for the internal movements of your heart and your interaction with what was before you. Ask what you were involved in and who you were with, and review your hopes and hesitations. Many situations will show that your heart was divided-wavering between helping and disregarding, scoffing and encouraging, listening and ignoring, rebuking and forgiving, speaking and silence, neglecting and thanking. Remember, this is not a time to dwell on your shortcomings; rather, it is a gentle look with the Lord at how you have responded to God’s gifts. It is an opportunity for growth of self and deepening your relationship with God. Notice where you acted freely-picking a particular course of action from the possibilities you saw. See where you were swept along without freedom. What reactions helped or hindered you? See where Christ entered your decisions and where you might have paused to receive His influence. “Test yourselves,” St. Paul urges, “to see whether you are living in faith; examine yourselves. Perhaps you yourselves do not realize that Christ Jesus is in you.” (2 Cor.) His influence comes through His people, the Body of Christ. His influence comes through Scripture, the Word of God. Now, as you pray, Christ’s spirit will help you know His presence and concern. As you daily and prayerfully explore the mystery of yourself in the midst of your actions you will grow more familiar with your own spirit and become more aware of the promptings of God’s Spirit within you. Allow God to speak, challenge, encourage and teach you. Thus you will come to know that Christ is with you. Christ will continually invite you to love your neighbor as yourself and strengthen you to do this.

5. The final step is our heart-to-heart talk with Jesus. Here you speak with Jesus about your day. You share your thoughts on your actions, attitudes, feelings and interactions. Perhaps during this time you may feel led to seek forgiveness, ask for direction, share a concern, express gratitude, etc. Having reviewed this day of your life, look upon yourself with compassion and see your need for God and try to realize God’s manifestations of concern for you. Express sorrow for sin, the obscuring darkness that surrounds us all, and especially ask forgiveness for the times you resisted God’s light today. Give thanks for grace, the enlightening presence of God, and especially praise God for the times you responded in ways that allowed you to better see God’s life. Resolve with Jesus to move forward in action where appropriate. You might like to finish your time with the Lords Prayer

(Extracted from somewhere without records and hopefully helpful to those who are seeking His presence daily)

Convictions

In 2011, I was asking Jesus about conviction, that is if we know when we make the right decision?  A decision we know that is truly in His perfect will.

But how do we truly know it is His choice His will and not ours? God gives us the choice to decide, but in Philippians 2:13, God also works in us to will and to act... So what is the component of that choice?

50% God or 50% my decision? As I dwell more into this question, a clarity set in my heart I am not sure if it is from God but after 2 years pondering over it, I am convicted on that revelation. I was driving towards office two years ago when God gave me the answer to my question. His answer was divine. Conviction is 100 percent my decision and 100 percent God's as well! And That is the Key to conviction! If I am in Christ, and He in me, we will have a decision that is totally in line and aligned.

The same as seeing Jesus as 100% God and 100% Man. Jesus was fully man on earth and he was fully God too! God is always working in Him to will Him and he act accordingly to His good purpose. Did Jesus know for sure that he should choose Peter as his disciple? I am sure he was convicted that Peter was the one and that Peter was given to him by God! Did he know he needed to leave for Jerusalem to be crucified? I am sure he was convicted that it was the decision to make.

Difficult or easy decisions, I pray I will make all key decisions in life with God working in me. I really want to surrender to you Jesus in everything and anything. I want to wake up every morning excited and refreshed with what life is going to offer. What you are going to do through me.

Have your way in me Father! Although I am fearful to say it, I meant it. I look forward to God's good purposes for myself, my families, my children, my cells, my church, my businesses, my dear friends .... That we will all lead a satisfying and fruitful life as Jesus has promised. And in this journey, I pray we will have clear convictions of decisions in life! 100 percent from God and 100 percent from ours!

Train me, God, to walk straight;
    then I’ll follow your true path.
Put me together, one heart and mind;
    then, undivided, I’ll worship in joyful fear.
From the bottom of my heart I thank you, dear Lord
Psalm 86:11