Live for an Audience of ONE.
Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.
Many seek an audience with a ruler, but it is from the Lord that man gets justice.
Proverbs 29:25
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Monday, February 27, 2006
Orientation is over, School's back.
its the pre semester blues we were suffering from when we all played haphazard badminton yesterday at the rec centre.... following that also was some Texas Hold 'em Poker. haha, oh well, school's officially back on scene. The notes, books, readings, thesis dissertation (for a few), exams... all will become part of our daily conversations.
Anyhoos, its just the start... was reading a friend's email about his revelation of the song "Be Magnified"- He said he teared when he sung the line, "i have leaned on the wisdom of men". In my heart there was a silent agreement, how true... i thought. Pastor Henry Seely touched on the topic of the validation of men in our lives, versus the stamp of approval from God. How many times have we sought the approval and the comfort from men rather den the ONE who created us. WOW. great revelation.
Not trying to be a cynic like sarah, but who can live in this world honestly saying that we don't yearn the approval of men. i guess we all fall short of His glory and His purposes. Even so, it is possible to renew our minds daily, to re-focus and to plant our identities in the ONE who has redeemed us. Knowing your privilege and position in Christ.... what a blessing.
its the pre semester blues we were suffering from when we all played haphazard badminton yesterday at the rec centre.... following that also was some Texas Hold 'em Poker. haha, oh well, school's officially back on scene. The notes, books, readings, thesis dissertation (for a few), exams... all will become part of our daily conversations.
Anyhoos, its just the start... was reading a friend's email about his revelation of the song "Be Magnified"- He said he teared when he sung the line, "i have leaned on the wisdom of men". In my heart there was a silent agreement, how true... i thought. Pastor Henry Seely touched on the topic of the validation of men in our lives, versus the stamp of approval from God. How many times have we sought the approval and the comfort from men rather den the ONE who created us. WOW. great revelation.
Not trying to be a cynic like sarah, but who can live in this world honestly saying that we don't yearn the approval of men. i guess we all fall short of His glory and His purposes. Even so, it is possible to renew our minds daily, to re-focus and to plant our identities in the ONE who has redeemed us. Knowing your privilege and position in Christ.... what a blessing.
Friday, February 24, 2006
Reckon you know me?
Help me to know myself! haha.
Click here for the Johari Window or here for the Nohari Window.
(gotten from Mari's blog)
Help me to know myself! haha.
Click here for the Johari Window or here for the Nohari Window.
(gotten from Mari's blog)
Thursday, February 23, 2006
POOR I-SIGHT - - - - - - -by Max Lucado
We suffer from poor I-sight. Not eyesight, a matter of distorted vision that lenses can correct, but I-sight. Poor I-sight blurs your view, not of the world, but of yourself. Some see self too highly. You wonder who puts the “air” in arrogance and the “vain” in vain glory? Those who say, “I can do anything.”You’ve said those words. For a short time, at least. A lifetime, perhaps. We all plead guilty to some level of superiority. And don’t we know the other extreme: “I can’t do anything”?
Forget the thin air of pomposity; these folks breathe the thick, swampy air of self-defeat. Roaches have higher self-esteem. Earthworms stand taller. “I’m a bum. I am scum. The world would bebetter off without me.”Two extremes of poor I-sight. Self-loving and self-loathing. We swing from one side to the other. One day too high on self, the next too hard on self. Neither is correct. Self-elevation and self-deprecation are equally inaccurate. Where is the truth? Smack-dab in the middle.
Dead center between “I can do anything” and“I can’t do anything” lies “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13) Neither omnipotent nor impotent, neither God’s MVP nor God’smistake. Not self-secure or insecure, but God-secure—a self-worth based in our identity as children of God. The proper view of self is in the middle.
But how do we get there? How do we park the pendulum in the center? Worship. Honest worship lifts eyes off self and sets them on God.Worship adjusts us, lowering the chin of the haughty, straightening the back of the burdened.
Breaking the bread, partaking of the cup. Bowing the knees, lifting the hands. This is worship.
Worship properly positions the worshiper. And oh how we need it! We walk through life so bent out of shape. So sold on ourselves that we think someone died and made us ruler. Or so down on ourselves that we think everyone died and just left us.
Treat both conditions with worship.
We suffer from poor I-sight. Not eyesight, a matter of distorted vision that lenses can correct, but I-sight. Poor I-sight blurs your view, not of the world, but of yourself. Some see self too highly. You wonder who puts the “air” in arrogance and the “vain” in vain glory? Those who say, “I can do anything.”You’ve said those words. For a short time, at least. A lifetime, perhaps. We all plead guilty to some level of superiority. And don’t we know the other extreme: “I can’t do anything”?
Forget the thin air of pomposity; these folks breathe the thick, swampy air of self-defeat. Roaches have higher self-esteem. Earthworms stand taller. “I’m a bum. I am scum. The world would bebetter off without me.”Two extremes of poor I-sight. Self-loving and self-loathing. We swing from one side to the other. One day too high on self, the next too hard on self. Neither is correct. Self-elevation and self-deprecation are equally inaccurate. Where is the truth? Smack-dab in the middle.
Dead center between “I can do anything” and“I can’t do anything” lies “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Phil. 4:13) Neither omnipotent nor impotent, neither God’s MVP nor God’smistake. Not self-secure or insecure, but God-secure—a self-worth based in our identity as children of God. The proper view of self is in the middle.
But how do we get there? How do we park the pendulum in the center? Worship. Honest worship lifts eyes off self and sets them on God.Worship adjusts us, lowering the chin of the haughty, straightening the back of the burdened.
Breaking the bread, partaking of the cup. Bowing the knees, lifting the hands. This is worship.
Worship properly positions the worshiper. And oh how we need it! We walk through life so bent out of shape. So sold on ourselves that we think someone died and made us ruler. Or so down on ourselves that we think everyone died and just left us.
Treat both conditions with worship.
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Going the extra mile means...
...doing simple things to brighten someone else's day
...being courteous and always saying thank you
...praying for the needs of others, not just yours.
...waking up early to meet others' needs when you could have slept in.
...being willing and able when meeting other's needs.
...doing what you can, it being within your abilities.
...being available after u've settled your responsibilities.
Going the extra mile does NOT mean...
...helping others by exhausting your own health
...doing things just because you have to, or becos you were told to.
...putting urgent events above the original priorities which hold greater importance.
...testing how much you can be stretched and pushed. ( i believe in the theory of being stretched, but it cannot be an excuse just to accomplish tasks)
...doing simple things to brighten someone else's day
...being courteous and always saying thank you
...praying for the needs of others, not just yours.
...waking up early to meet others' needs when you could have slept in.
...being willing and able when meeting other's needs.
...doing what you can, it being within your abilities.
...being available after u've settled your responsibilities.
Going the extra mile does NOT mean...
...helping others by exhausting your own health
...doing things just because you have to, or becos you were told to.
...putting urgent events above the original priorities which hold greater importance.
...testing how much you can be stretched and pushed. ( i believe in the theory of being stretched, but it cannot be an excuse just to accomplish tasks)
Monday, February 20, 2006
Thursday, February 16, 2006
We will hunger for what we feed on.
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Roms 12:2
"The Lord satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry with goodness." Ps 107: 9
The issue today with us is not material things, but rather that we'd allowed material things to satisfy our souls. The soul that is already satisfied is what keeps us from hearing His voice.
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Pro 4:23
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." Roms 12:2
"The Lord satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry with goodness." Ps 107: 9
The issue today with us is not material things, but rather that we'd allowed material things to satisfy our souls. The soul that is already satisfied is what keeps us from hearing His voice.
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Pro 4:23
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Monday, February 13, 2006
Parenting 101/ Sisterhood 223
SPent a whole evening at Jon's school- Murdoch college. it was a good experience actually being involved and hearing the subject teachers talk about what has been going on in class and the assessments required.
usually its the other way around, I bring my parents to see my teachers- i don't get brought to see teachers. or have a conversation with them. haha.... There was once, i did soooo badly in CJ (college) that my dad came down to see Mdm Mary Goh... and she was really nice, but my economics was still really bad. haha.... those were the days i thought studying was my ultimate enemy, now i can't envision my life without learning.
Thats why tonight i told jon that i thought his lessons were really interesting (told him in the most casual and non study-coercing way). Ya, i even suggested study/ homework time after dinner- haha he was appalled nonetheless and insisted he could do his own work. Den after awhile he said he wld ask me if he needed help. ; )
ahhh... the joys of sisterhood and the pains of parenting.
SPent a whole evening at Jon's school- Murdoch college. it was a good experience actually being involved and hearing the subject teachers talk about what has been going on in class and the assessments required.
usually its the other way around, I bring my parents to see my teachers- i don't get brought to see teachers. or have a conversation with them. haha.... There was once, i did soooo badly in CJ (college) that my dad came down to see Mdm Mary Goh... and she was really nice, but my economics was still really bad. haha.... those were the days i thought studying was my ultimate enemy, now i can't envision my life without learning.
Thats why tonight i told jon that i thought his lessons were really interesting (told him in the most casual and non study-coercing way). Ya, i even suggested study/ homework time after dinner- haha he was appalled nonetheless and insisted he could do his own work. Den after awhile he said he wld ask me if he needed help. ; )
ahhh... the joys of sisterhood and the pains of parenting.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Was supposed to climb today- Sorry Nic and mari! I just came home after church and crashed on my bed.
Of course after the rice n curry and cookies and cream ice cream. (which kinda explains the state of my throat right now).
Being in a dazed state from about 2-7pm, i liken my condition to being on some form of lethargic medicine. Well, my bro's constantly hungry- he went to get dinner at broadway.
i had this really weird dream last night.
i can't begin to describe how really ridiculous it was.
okay maybe i shan't.
Of course after the rice n curry and cookies and cream ice cream. (which kinda explains the state of my throat right now).
Being in a dazed state from about 2-7pm, i liken my condition to being on some form of lethargic medicine. Well, my bro's constantly hungry- he went to get dinner at broadway.
i had this really weird dream last night.
i can't begin to describe how really ridiculous it was.
okay maybe i shan't.
*Yay, he's coming back! 2 days n 6 hours!
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Woke up to a pleasant surprise today- my brother made breakfast for me!
so sweet right? ya, but after he tld me i cldn't drag myself out of bed, so i tld him i'd heat it up later. And it was nice! bread with sausage and salami. ; )
Went to the beach today, just to thaw ourselves for a couple of hours. Get some Vitamin D which i didn't manage to get in singapore. Den played badminton with the pros. haha.
Had pizza and cold juice for dinner....
Chilling now.... hehe.
so sweet right? ya, but after he tld me i cldn't drag myself out of bed, so i tld him i'd heat it up later. And it was nice! bread with sausage and salami. ; )
Went to the beach today, just to thaw ourselves for a couple of hours. Get some Vitamin D which i didn't manage to get in singapore. Den played badminton with the pros. haha.
Had pizza and cold juice for dinner....
Chilling now.... hehe.
Friday, February 10, 2006
Went climbing with nicholas last night... it was supposed to be a slow warm up kick off for the semester...mmm really aching now. i think i haven't climbed in about close to a month.
This is what i get when i become lazy... Wore my new pair of Mad rocks. so painful.
i detest unseasoned shoes. i took almost a full 3 months to season my boreals.
Now i start from scratch.
suddenly feel like eating fish n chips. But i think i'm cooking japanese curry tonight. *yum*
And yes, it's really been amusing watching the first season of Gilmore Girls... Trust me, u'll never tire of what Lorelai Gilmore has to say. She rambles... and i laugh. Great combination. Sorta like Doctor House and Nikki.
ok off to run my errands.
This is what i get when i become lazy... Wore my new pair of Mad rocks. so painful.
i detest unseasoned shoes. i took almost a full 3 months to season my boreals.
Now i start from scratch.
suddenly feel like eating fish n chips. But i think i'm cooking japanese curry tonight. *yum*
And yes, it's really been amusing watching the first season of Gilmore Girls... Trust me, u'll never tire of what Lorelai Gilmore has to say. She rambles... and i laugh. Great combination. Sorta like Doctor House and Nikki.
ok off to run my errands.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Monday, February 06, 2006
You said, I Am
Pencil marks on the wall, i wasn't always this tall
You scattered some monsters from beneath my bed
You watched my team win
You watched my team lose
You watched when my bicycle went down again
And when i was weak, unable to speak
Still i could call You by name
And i said, Elbow Healer, Superhero
Come if You can
You said, I Am
Only sixteen, life is so mean
What kind of curfew is at 10pm?
You saw my mistakes
And watched my heart break
Heard when i swore i'd never love again
And when i was weak, unable to speak
Still i could call You by name
And i said, Heartache Healer, Secret Keeper
Be my best friend
And You said, I Am
You saw me wear white by pale candlelight
I said forever to what lies ahead
Two kids and a dream, with kids that can scream
And when i am weak, unable to speak
Still i will call You by name
Shepherd, Saviour, Pasture Maker
Hold onto my hand
You say, I Am
The winds of change and circumstance blow in and all around us
So we find a foothold that's familiar
And bless the moments that we feel You nearer
When life had begun, i was woven and spun
You let the angels dance around the throne
And who can say when but they'll dance again
When i am free and finally headed home
I will be weak, unable to speak
Still i will call You by name
Creator, Maker, Life Sustainer
Comforter, Healer, my Redeemer
Lord and King, Beginning and the End
I Am
Yes I Am
Written by Nicole Nordeman
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Milestone
When i look at the letters, i'm pretty convinced that i'm graduating. Altho it probably won't hit me til i'm wearing the Harry Potter gown and squinting at excessive flashes from multiple cameras. Preparing to start this academic year, a verse popped into my head- "Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." really wanna claim this in Psalms 16:8.
The Psalmist describes the Lord as a giver of good things! He has assigned and secured our portions and inheritances.
I'm really amazed at the opportunity, altho i'm really literally afraid to take up the program (heard its demanding and challenging). There're actually plenty of uncertainties- will i get PR? will i work in perth? will i go back to sg? What job will i hold? What lies ahead?
I'm also trusting God for changed lives this year. I believe He's turning the hearts of the children to the fathers and vice versa! I can see reconciliation already!
God, i know that whatever happens, you are faithful til the end.
When i look at the letters, i'm pretty convinced that i'm graduating. Altho it probably won't hit me til i'm wearing the Harry Potter gown and squinting at excessive flashes from multiple cameras. Preparing to start this academic year, a verse popped into my head- "Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken." really wanna claim this in Psalms 16:8.
The Psalmist describes the Lord as a giver of good things! He has assigned and secured our portions and inheritances.
I'm really amazed at the opportunity, altho i'm really literally afraid to take up the program (heard its demanding and challenging). There're actually plenty of uncertainties- will i get PR? will i work in perth? will i go back to sg? What job will i hold? What lies ahead?
I'm also trusting God for changed lives this year. I believe He's turning the hearts of the children to the fathers and vice versa! I can see reconciliation already!
God, i know that whatever happens, you are faithful til the end.
Saturday, February 04, 2006
Faith is the...
By George Mueller
Faith is the eye by which we look to Jesus
A dim-sighted eye is still an eye; a weeping eye is still an eye
Faith is the hand with which we lay hold of Jesus.
A trembling hand is still a hand. And he is a believer whose heart within him trembles when he touches the hem of the Saviour's garment, that he may be healed.
Faith is the tongue by which we taste how good the Lord is.
A feverish tongue is nevertheless a tongue. And we may believe, when we are without a smallest amount of comfort; for our faith is founded not upon our feelings but upon the promises of God.
Faith is the foot by which we go to Jesus. A lame foot is still a foot.
He who comes slowly nevertheless comes.
By George Mueller
Faith is the eye by which we look to Jesus
A dim-sighted eye is still an eye; a weeping eye is still an eye
Faith is the hand with which we lay hold of Jesus.
A trembling hand is still a hand. And he is a believer whose heart within him trembles when he touches the hem of the Saviour's garment, that he may be healed.
Faith is the tongue by which we taste how good the Lord is.
A feverish tongue is nevertheless a tongue. And we may believe, when we are without a smallest amount of comfort; for our faith is founded not upon our feelings but upon the promises of God.
Faith is the foot by which we go to Jesus. A lame foot is still a foot.
He who comes slowly nevertheless comes.
***
I cannot say i have witnessed much in my life.
Despite that, i believe that God is moving and He will continue to move in my life and among my loved ones.
So many times in my life when i've thought myself to be achieved, accomplished and direction-driven the Lord has stopped me in my tracks and shown me how broken i am, how i keep resentful thoughts, how i am but susceptible to this world i live in.
was reading the book "Drawning near" by John Bevere on the plane- when God reaffirmed a message i had heard in church some 5-6 years ago.
"It is not that we profess Christianity; attend Bible-believing churches; or are nice people- it is not these that separates us from all the others on the face of this earth. It is His very presence that distinguishes us and makes us holy (separated to Him)."
I don't want to be content with the theory of this relationship without the intimacy, i don't want to settle for an intellectual discussion, i don't want knowledge and wisdom void of Your presence.
Come and fill my cup til it overflows.
God, how amazing that u came and u seek to be near to me. You desire to know my innermost thoughts, You knit me in my mother's womb.
You pursue me.... how i long to be in Your courts!
I have done nothing to deserve You- You are amazing God.
Hi people,
been back in perth for a day and a half now... still cleaning up the house in bits and replacing old stuff that has fallen apart. Also trying to get my bro's internet connection up, some local area network conflict. The weekend i foresee is going to be quite a breezer, just waiting for next week to kick in. It's also really hot. i'm so baked just by taking a walk to broadway.
i locked myself out of the house yesterday- when jon was at school... had to run to hampden to get keys from agent. sigh. It's 30-35 degrees baking. Thank God the house has a natural cool, if not for that- even 10 fans will not circulate the air. There's no wind. ;p
Time for some ice cool fruit juice.
ciao.
been back in perth for a day and a half now... still cleaning up the house in bits and replacing old stuff that has fallen apart. Also trying to get my bro's internet connection up, some local area network conflict. The weekend i foresee is going to be quite a breezer, just waiting for next week to kick in. It's also really hot. i'm so baked just by taking a walk to broadway.
i locked myself out of the house yesterday- when jon was at school... had to run to hampden to get keys from agent. sigh. It's 30-35 degrees baking. Thank God the house has a natural cool, if not for that- even 10 fans will not circulate the air. There's no wind. ;p
Time for some ice cool fruit juice.
ciao.
Thursday, February 02, 2006
Lesson Learnt
Having to learn a lesson yourself, instead of from the mistakes of others- requires heartaches, inconveniences and alot of time wasted.
Well, thank God for us the waste wasn't a lifetime or years. It was a whole afternoon.
We missed our morning flight to perth today.
So learning double lessons- facing the music and taking responsibility. (means NO BLAMING)
Lesson Learnt.
Having to learn a lesson yourself, instead of from the mistakes of others- requires heartaches, inconveniences and alot of time wasted.
Well, thank God for us the waste wasn't a lifetime or years. It was a whole afternoon.
We missed our morning flight to perth today.
So learning double lessons- facing the music and taking responsibility. (means NO BLAMING)
Lesson Learnt.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
