Tip Of The Iceberg

I’ve been thinking a lot about something these few days and my heart just overflows with many good things. I received my results couple of days ago. I was pleasantly surprised because I thought I’d fail one module. I did not fail a single module, and even did quite well. When I received the results I couldn’t help but jump up and down in my room, run out of my room and run back in like a mad dog. And yes, I did a few somersaults on my bed. That kinda relief and happiness was hard to describe. It just overflowed.

The next day, I attended worship practice. As we sat down and gathered to pray, Mama Jac prayed something like this (I had earlier shared to her about my results): “For some of us who have done well in the exams, we know there are more to come Lord” Something like that... That struck me. After celebrating like mad, experiencing the highs of doing well, and God you’re telling me this is only the tip of the iceberg? You mean there’s more to come?! As I meditated on this and after I attended today’s sermon, I’m convinced God is for me and not against me. That He would really do something great in my life, that He will make me the head and not the tail. That He’d care about me, that He’d help me soar, that He’d be there to hold me when I fall. At worship today, I just felt something unlock within my heart. There was an unusual conviction that God wants good for me. That all He ever did was good to me. I felt an ease in surrender. I felt an ease in self-abandonment. I felt a higher calling to lead a pleasing holy life so that I can be close to the one who wants the best for me.

Micah 6:3 “My people, what have I done to you? How have I burdened you? Answer me.”

Chapter 13:Distant Deity (Facing Your Giants by Max Lucado)

In this chapter, I learnt about the holiness of God and the heart posture I should adopt in His presence. There are 3 artifacts in the ark of the covenant. The gold jar of unspoiled manna represented God's provision, Aaron's staff (which budded long after it was cut) symbolised the power of God and the tablets were God's commandments. The ark also symbolised God's presence. In this chapter, one man lay dead and another was dancing before the ark. From these scenes, we can learn a how to have a right heart posture before God.



The man who lay dead was Uzzah. He was a priest, a descendant on Aaron. The ark has been kept in the house of his father. He had grown up with it. For 30 yrs the Israelites forgot abt the ark. David wanted to do something about it. Uzzah and Ahio were put in charge of transporting the ark. They load it on an ox-drawn wagon and begin to march. On a patch of unstable road, the oxen stumble, wagon shakes and the ark shifts. Uzzah, thinking the holy chest is about to fall off the wagon extends his hand to steady it. At this, Uzzah was struck down. He was struck down because he was lax before the holy. God gave specific instructions on how to transport the ark. Only the priests could draw near after they had offered sacrifices for themselves and their families. The ark was not to be lifted by hands but with acacia poles. The priests were not to touch the sacred objects or they will die. Uzzah should have known this. He was afterall a priest. Uzzah exchanged commands for convenience, instead of using poles, they used a wagon, and bulls instead of priests. Wee see no obedience. The question is not why God killed Uzzah, rather, we should ask ourselves why does He let us live? Uzzah's story sends a sobering and shuddering reminder to all of us, to be careful not to be lax with the holy. Don't become too familiar with God's presence. After all of this, David determines to get it right this next time round. The ark is successfully transported back and David danced in front of it.



A lesson I learnt the most from this chapter is to be reverent before a holy God. Be aware of His presence in my daily life and have a healthy sense of fear. The chapter sums up teaching us to have a reverent and joyful heart in God's presence.

I don't know why blogger doesn't allow me to add a title for this post. Anyway this entry is about grace.




I'm currently reading Max Lucado's Facing Your Giants. The book talks about the life of David. The first chapter describes David as the giant slayer. He was the most unlikely of heroes. Even as Samuel went to Jesse to anoint the new king, he was not even among those considered worthy. He was out in the field tending the sheep. When he faced the giant, one could observe that he had set his sight on God. There's a stark contrast in the chapters that follow. Max Lucado proceeded to tell David's story. Our giant slayer friend starts to fall apart when Saul starts persecuting him. He falters around six times, on many of these occasions lied or deceived to protect himself out of fear. It seems he has lost sight of God. Max Lucado wrote:"Wilderness begins with disconnection and continues in deceit." David was disconnected. His wife, Michal helped him to flee Saul, but when confronted, said David forced her to allow him to flee. Jonathan, his best friend could not help him because he had to tend the court of a raving mad king father. He went to Samuel, but someone saw him and reported to Saul. He then escaped again. In times like these it's not difficult to sympathise with David. Many times out of fear, he could not see God's presence. So the author asks:"You see your giant, but is that all you see?" David finally finds a refuge in a cave in Adullam. He turns to God and soon finds refuge in Him again. God then sends many other people to join him to ultimately form his army.

The one thing that touched me a lot was the grace of God. David was later called in the new testament by God the man after God's heart. He was no saint! He committed adultery, murder, lied... He faltered. That's what happens to sinful imperfect people. I was really touched to day in worship when I thought about this. Grace is getting something we don't deserve. That is the love and forgiveness of God. I thought of this verse. Hebrews 4:15-16 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-- yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

30th June '07

What an eventful day with the bunch I enjoy so much. We went to Sentosa to spend some time with Wenjun as it was his birth day on 27th. We met at Vivo then took a train to Sentosa. Walked around a bit then headed to Cafe Del Mar for drinks as we waited for Esmond, Mei Mei and Veron to arrive. The names of the shooters are vulgar man... Anyway, we had a good talk at the bar. One of us ordered 6 asparagus' wrapped in thin beef for 10 bucks. I felt that was totally ridiculous. Anyway, just being able to sit around in the presence of good friends was enough to compensate for that utter waste of money.

After Veron, Esmond and Mei reached we headed to Vivo to eat at Shin Kushiya. The food was not bad, but not very filling, so, many of them headed to food court next to fill their stomachs with Toast Box and 7 dollar laksas. O, the laksa was heavenly by the way. Vivo food republic.

I headed home with very good memories. This is probably one of the very rare times so many of us managed to make it. The people there on that day were Esmond, Mei, Davin, Veron, Livi, Hendra, Gerald, Bao, Wenjun and Eugene. I went home thinking about a lot of things. I really miss those times. I'm so glad to have the opportunity to catch up with them.

Faith

Was reading Luke, the days that led up to Jesus' crucifixion. I thought about the disciples and followers. It must have been hard, their hope for a saviour was now shattered. The one who claimed to bring them salvation has now Himself been crucified. He did not even respond to saving Himself when the criminal challenged Him. All that remains are memories of His teaching and experiences with Him. Many of them did not believe what He had claimed though they heard and saw the things He did. He claimed He would rise from the dead, some did not understand and some did not believe till He appeared before them after resurrecting.

One lesson I learnt through this passage is that we need to have faith, and hold on to the promises of God. If God has put a dream within your heart, then you should cling on to it, persevering in faith to see it come to pass. Without faith, it is impossible to please God.

Spiritual Family

Got to hang out with Hendra, Joe, Justin and Livi on Sunday after service. Had a simple dinner at a Hainanese food place. It was really a good time, it felt like family. :) Really enjoyed myself thoroughly. I love being around you guys. We should catch up more.

Live Like You Were Dying

Tim McGraw

He said I was in my early forties
with a lot of life before me
when a moment came that stopped me on a dime
and I spent most of the next days
looking at the x-rays
Talking bout the options
and talking bout sweet time
I asked him when it sank in
that this might really be the real end
how's it hit you when you get that kinda news
man what'd you do

and he said
I went sky diving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named fumanchu
and I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter
and I gave forgiveness I'd been denying
and he said someday I hope you get the chance
to live like you were dying.

He said I was finally the husband
that most the time I wasn't
and I became a friend a friend would like to have
and all the sudden going fishin
wasn't such an imposition
and I went three times that year I lost my dad
well I finally read the good book
and I took a good long hard look
at what I'd do if I could do it all again

and then
I went sky diving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named fumanchu
and I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter
and I gave forgiveness I'd been denying
and he said someday I hope you get the chance
to live like you were dying.

Like tomorrow was a gift and you got eternity to think about
what'd you do with it what did you do with it
what did I do with it
what would I do with it?

Sky diving
I went Rocky Mountain climbing
I went 2.7 seconds on a bull named fumanchu
and then I loved deeper and I spoke sweeter
and I watched an eagle as it was flying
and he said someday I hope you get the chance
to live like you were dying.
To live like you were dying
To live like you were dying
To live like you were dying
To live like you were dying

I love this song. Awesome lyrics. Check it out. What would I do if I only have a few weeks left to live? How would my lifestyle change? Such an interesting thought.

I'm BACK!!!

Breathe

This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
Your holy presence living in me

This is my daily bread
This is my daily bread
Your very word spoken to me

And I I'm desperate for you
And I I'm I'm lost without you

This is the air I breathe
This is the air I breathe
Your holy presence living in me

This is my daily bread
this is my daily bread
your very word spoken to me

And I'm, I'm desperate for you
And I'm, I'm lost without you

And I'm desperate for you
And I'm, I'm lost without you.

I'm lost without you.

I'm lost without you.

I'm desperate for you.



I wonder who still comes here. I've just ended my last paper yesterday. It feels like I've just ended a marathon. It all started from the second batch of assignments about 2 months ago. After assignments came the exam. One thing I've noticed, I don't handle prolonged stress very well. Throughout this marathon, I've noticed so many things in my life fall out of it's rightful place. I thank God it's over, but I believe there's a lot to learn as I evaluate myself. For now, it's holiday! Till next time!

What A Friend

Used to sing this hymn in my previous church. Recently, it kept coming to mind...Indeed, what needless pain we bear.

What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit, O what needless pain we bear,
all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer.
Have we trials and temptations? Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Can we find a friend so faithful who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Are we weak and heavy laden, cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge; take it to the Lord in prayer.
Do thy friends despise, forsake thee? Take it to the Lord in prayer!
In his arms he'll take and shield thee; thou wilt find a solace there.

Recent Events

Went for dinner on a Saturday evening with Livi, Hendra, Shuping, Gerald, Esmond and Eugene. It's nice to meet old friends for a simple dinner on a relaxed Saturday evening.

Eugene claims he came out of his mom's womb with that pose. -_-"'

Someone said I look like I'm promoting Levi's. That's not Levi's by the way, it's Zara. I love this pair of jeans.

Went swimming and catching up with Daniel recently. I was excited to meet you Dan cos I know we share the same heart.

11th April, Dad's Birthday. I look so buei song cos I was woken to cut cake with Dad before they all go to work. :P

Some Random Photos

More

Have you ever wanted more in your life? If not, why? Are you happy where you are? With what you have? If not, why? Are you too comfortable with what you already have, where you already are? Sometimes everything in our life is status quo because we don’t desire more. We’re happy as we are. Happy with what we have. Comfortable where we are. Contented or complacent? Sometimes God doesn’t give more because we have not grown in faithfulness. So if you are happy where you are today, why not dream bigger? Why not ask? And if you ask, the correct question should be, how can I prepare myself so that God is able to give me more?

290307

119 Mariam Way, I was sitting alone in my house in 1997. I had just returned from school and the house had an unfamiliar silence. I turned around from the couch I was sitting on to face an empty chair. A sudden surge of emotions filled my heart. Loneliness prevailed.

Today I was at the Healing Conference. All day long and many days before I had been battling with God. There were some struggles in my heart that I couldn't let go of. My mind had been cluttered and I just couldn't get things straight. Sleep was a good escape from all the madness that was in my mind. Many times I just felt everything was too overwhelming for me to take in. Sleep was like resting an overheated PC. When I woke I will feel better for a few hours before everything started to flood my mind again. I had many questions in my mind about God meeting my needs, and until I sense a breakthrough in my spirit, responding biblically would only be a discipline. As I worshipped God at the conference, I worshipped with all my heart, I needed God to touch me. I needed Him to give me the strength to respond. Towards the end of the conference, during the alter call, Peter Truong said something that struck me so tenderly that I began to tear. Throughout the whole worship I teared. He said:"It was Him who first loved us." 1 John 4:19 That brought back memories of how God first touched me.

In 1997, I lost my grandmother. Someone who was extremely dear to me. I remember wondering how life would be when she passes away. I dreaded to think of it then. Dad and mom worked during the day and would leave me with granny to be taken care of. She loved me dearly. As the years pass, I grew to love her more and more. She had a special place in my heart. One week after the cremation, I remember returning home feeling that aweful sense of loneliness. As I sat there, in the living room, I couldn't help but cry. It was then that God filled my heart with His presence. I felt love, I felt peace.

When God reminded me of this scene today, all my arguements with God were silenced and replaced with a compelling response to continue to serve and love Him with all my heart. I felt that I don't need to worry about taking care of my own needs when I take care of others' needs. I knew the one who took care of me then will continue to be faithful to love and take care of my needs.

Thank you Jesus, I can't stop thinking about how you've been so faithful to me all these years. I love the way you surprise me.

Trust

It is easy to trust when you have not yet been disappointed. After you’ve been disappointed, your trust is really then, tested. I’ve heard many times that it’s better to be angry at God than indifferent. I have yet to see John 12:24 come to pass. It sucks to feel trampled on. It sucks to always have to be humble and to keep a good spirit while I’m being misunderstood. That familiar feeling makes me angry. It brings back many bad memories. But how else can I be tested in my trust in you?

Tower Of Power

10 March '07, Mosaic Music Festival

Tower Of Power Concert

I like Soul, With A Capital S

Sweet soul music, that's the best!

100307

Today, I went to swim and suntan downstairs. The sun was so hot. I loved it, the warmth brought a certain calm to me and really enabled me to focus on certain things that were bothering me. I enjoyed the calm and quiet of the poolside. Think I will do this more often. When I was making my way back up to go home, I saw many coconuts on the ground. A few uncles had been hired to clear the coconuts from the trees in case the ripe ones fall unto people. I picked up a few with their permission and brought them home. Here they are:

My maid said they can be used to cook curry, that's why I so kiasu!

Nehemiah 8:10

Today, I just understood a bit of a verse I've been wondering about for a long time. Nehemiah 8:10, the joy of the Lord is my strength. What does this really mean? How do you apply it? As we choose to obey God sometimes it can be hard going, but we must not forget to bask in the delight God takes in us when we obey. When I start to think about the smile my obedience puts on his face, I can't help but smile. It's a certain kind of joy that just refreshes me. I look forward to learn more about this verse...

Great Expectations by Steven Curtis Chapman

The morning finds me here at heaven's door
A place I've been so many times before
Familiar thoughts and phrases start to flow
And carry me to places that I know so well
But dare I go where I don't understand
And do I dare remember where I am
I stand before the great eternal throne
The one that God Himself is seated on
And I, I've been invited as a son
Oh I, I've been invited to come and ...

Believe the unbelievable
Receive the inconceivable
And see beyond my wildest imagination
Lord, I come with great expectations

So wake the hope that slumbers in my soul
Stir the fire inside and make it glow
I'm trusting in a love that has no end
The Savior of this world has called me friend
And I, I've been invited with the Son
Oh I, I've been invited to come and ...

We've been invited with the Son
And we've been invited to come and ...

Believe the unbelievable
Receive the inconceivable
And see beyond our wildest imagination
Lord, we come with great expectations










AWESOME LYRICS

Lelong lelong!!!

* veronica says (12:18 AM):
eeeyer
* veronica says (12:18 AM):
why you lelong me
* veronica says (12:18 AM):
im not cheap k
notsyor says (12:18 AM):
nice pic wat
notsyor says (12:18 AM):
dun waste
* veronica says (12:18 AM):
you must write there!!! expensive stuff
* veronica says (12:24 AM):
aye!!!!!!!
* veronica says (12:24 AM):
why you like that
* veronica says (12:24 AM):
later i jia bu chu qu
* veronica says (12:24 AM):
you die!
notsyor says (12:24 AM):
* veronica says (12:24 AM):
nvm
* veronica says (12:24 AM):
i look so harmless in that photo
* veronica says (12:24 AM):
can cover that