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.