Today's Sermon

The rest of the today's service was also quite fun. A good friend and also one of my lecturers at STM , Dr Lim Kar Yong, was speaking in church this morning. His sermon "What story are you telling?" was also quite interesting. We collaborated together with two other friends, EJ and Chris Chew (whom I fondly call 'gramps' from the age of 12) to have a surprise sketch in the middle of his sermon to bring out the story in Mark 5:1-20 (the one about the demon possessed man). The aim of the sketch was to contrast the stories of the demon possessed man and the pig farmer. Gramps and Kar Yong wrote the script - I must say that Kar Yong did well in adding the witty bits (the congregation was quite tickled and one of my close friends who is a professional singer told me that she couldn't stop laughing). EJ acted as the demoniac and yours truly acted as Mrs PIG FARMER(somehow I was 'tarik'ed into it)! From my perspective, it was fun but a bit scary too. I have not acted for many many years(and when I did many many years ago, I generally took minor roles or just preferred the narrator role). So it was rather a challenge for me. Later on another congregation member pointed out he couldn't figure out how I could worship lead and act on the same service (now that I think about it, neither can I!). Was a bit stressed that I would forget the lines (I actually DID forget a line- but EJ and I managed to cover it up - Thank God!). I must say that EJ and I made a pretty good team -hahaha- must be all that squabbling and making up over the years that helped us work alongside in ministry and understand each other better.

For the fun of it, I will post the script below (which took 5-8 mins to act). Kar Yong rather naughtily insisted I started the sketch by screaming really loudly to get people's attention (mind you, this was in the MIDDLE of his sermon). Some of the feedback on the scream: "I didn't pay attention to the sermon until the scream!"; "I thought Kar Yong was screaming, but I thought it was weird cos it sounded like a woman's scream!"; "You woke my daughter up with your scream! But that was ok cos she enjoyed the sketch after that"; "It was so scarylaa when I heard the scream in the middle of the sermon. I thought something was wrong with Kar Yong, some more he ran off the stage suddenly. I was like OMG, what's wrong?!!"; "I knew it - it sounded like Ruth screaming - I thought the voice sounded rather familiar"(this last bit was from one of my colleagues in church, I guess he must be familiar with my scream cos of my doing so at work in frustration sometimes). Kekekeke.... Yup- the service turned out to be really fun. :) Our next repeat of the play will take place at Doulos Presbyterian church in two weeks time. Hope I don't forget all my lines by then or have brain damage from memorising my lines. :p

*********************************************
It’s Gone!
By Chris Chew and Kar Yong

PFW: (Distraught) It’s gone! It’s gone! I am ruined! I am finished!!! (Ruth: make sure you really really scream here!! We need the effect here…)

DPM: (Relieved) It’s gone! It’s gone! I am saved! I am free!!!

PFW: (Between tears) It was not always like this, I had a house, a family, *sob sob*… had my own business. I was rich.

DPM: It was not always like this, I used to live in tombs, I was always bound by chains until it could not hold me no more. I was a mad man.

PFW: I was driven by profits

DPM: (Fearful) I… I was possessed by evil spirits

PFW: The day started beautifully, bright sunny skies, everything was perfect.

DPM: The day started as usual, possessed by an evil spirit. Can’t think straight, could not focus, always angry always shouting. It was a nightmare.

PFW & DPM (together): They he came into town

PFW: I knew he was trouble from the start. Why? (Angry) Because that mad man, than mad man possessed by an evil spirit, the very one that we could never catch him and hold him but He, that mad man went to see him. He knew Jesus was coming, somehow he knew.

DPM: I did not know what I was doing but I heard he was coming to town and so I went to meet him when he got out of the boat. I don’t know what made me do it but I think it knew, the thing inside me.

PFW: No one in town was able to hold this mad man town but when he saw Jesus, he fell on his knees. Devil’s trick I tell you.

DPM: I don’t know what made me do it, but when I saw him I fell to the ground. Then I asked him “What do you want with me, Jesus Son of the Most High God. Swear to God that you won't torture me!"

PFW: This man Jesus, just said "Come out of this man, you evil spirit!" and that was the beginning of trouble. Then he asked for the spirit’s name.

DPM: "My name is Legion," I replied, "for we are many." Then I think it begged Jesus to send them to the pigs and when Jesus gave them permission… all the spirits went into the pigs…

PFW: My pigs, my herd, all those hard work looking after them. Feeding them. All 2,000 of them…

DPM: All the pigs…

PFW & DPM (together): drowned!!!

PFW: All my stocks gone! This is worst than Nipah virus, and the beta agonis crisis…

DPM: I felt my life has returned to me, someone.. no, God has given my life back to me.

PFW & DPM (together): Gone!

PFW: My pigs!

DPM: My chains

PFW: My char siew business!

DPM: The evil spirits!

PFW: No more roast pork

DPM: No more countless sleepless nights!

PFW: He ought to pay!

DPM: The Lord be praised!

PFW: Crucify him!

DPM: Hallelujah!

PFW: I should charge him no! I should sue him! Hehehe…should we say this: I must consult Daniel Yeoh…

DPM: I must tell everyone, the messiah is here!

PFW: No, I cannot do this alone. He has got 12 stupid disciples following him. I am outnumbered!

DPM: I must tell others what he has done!

PFW: These 12 good for nothing useless disciples. One of them is even a tax collector. Can’t he count the loss of revenue? Couldn’t he have told Jesus, how much it would have cost all of us. He could have stopped all this!

DPM: I wanted to join him and his disciples but he told me to go tell my family and tell how much the Lord has done for me and how God has had mercy on me.

PFW: No, I must rally with more people! Justice must be served! Jesus must go!

DPM: Yes, I will do what he told me to. I will go to home to Decapolis and tell everyone!

PFW: He must be rejected!

DPM: Jesus must be accepted! My chains fell off, My heart was free, I rose went forth and followed Thee...

PFW: My pigs ran off, now I am broke, I fell, went home and mourned my loss.. We will drive that trouble maker out of our town! Raise the pitch forks! Sound the alarm!

DPM: I’ve got a story to tell. I must do it now

PFW: I’ve also got a story to tell. I must do it now.

Today's Worship

This morning, the service was one of the more memorable ones for me. I was worship leading (this time without my partner, Jason, cos he had to go to Penang to see Shin Ee participate in a dragon boat race). It has been rather tough going with the songlist in this past week - senior pastor had very specific requests and his instructions was rather conflicting at times (seriously - how many GOOD songs are written on the presence of God/God's glory that are contemporary??)... It was a bit of a headache and a challenge for me - you would not believe how many times I reviewed the list and prayed over it - I wanted to fit in a BM song or a hymn at the same time which can be quite a toughie if one wants a smooth flow. Anyways, I was really proud of my team - all who I call friends. They were really supportive and sporting and though I know I asked them to do a few things that were difficult, as a team, they really helped a lot with encouraging the congregation to worship this morning. People said that there were more energy in the worship today. Personally, it was just very rewarding to see people just really getting into the worship. It was awesome to see people slowly put aside their inhibitions and worship God.

On reflection, it's been quite a journey for me. I see how much I've grown as a worship leader (and how much more I can and need to grow). There was a period where I struggle with being worship leader - and I still do sometimes. There have been times when I've wondered at the purpose of my being a worship leader and how there must be better things to do with my time(such as doing missions or just helping the poor). Today, I was very strongly reminded of why I am in this ministry in the first place. There was just great joy and a sense of rightness for me as I saw people worshipping God as I learn to be a lead them by example by worshipping from my heart. Not only that, it's been such an encouragement to see members of my worship team grow as we journey together to lead the people in worship. Many times I struggle with encouraging members of my team to grow in their spiritual walk. I get disheartened and discouraged many times cos there seem to be so much distractions for them in their daily lives. So many things to pull them away from God. It feels like a losing battle. However, as I take time to talk to them this past week, I am encouraged to see glimpses of growth and maturity in some of their walk. It encourages me to press on and to keep on praying for them.

Dear Lord,
Thanks so much for all that you've done.
Be Thou my vision O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me save that Thou art
Thou my best thought by day or by night
Waking or sleeping Thy presence my light.

Quote for today

“The Bible without the Holy Spirit is a sundial by moonlight” –DL Moody (1837-99)

Quote for the day

“It is less important to ask a Christian what he or she knows about the Bible than to inquire what he or she does with it”
-Leslie Newbigin (1905-98), British reformed theologian, missionary & ecumenical leader

Recap of the day

It's been quite a day...
Started it with an Intermediate Greek Test (this will be the last time i have anything to do with Greek for the rest of my studies here - except for exegesis)!
Went out for lunch with my two good friends Gerrad and Joshua and we popped into the movies to watch 'Next' - most of the movie's good, but the ending a bit crappy... :p
Came back and finished some church work for the week (I hope!), chatted with some friends online and then helped a friend with his book review (more like helping with his sentence construction) and followed by a good rest.
Had a late dinner with G and Josh and then we popped by a DVD shop - just to see what they had. For some reason, the place was suddenly swarming with STM students - which is quite weird, mainly because we having exams and assignments because this is the final week of semester. :p Then again, I think we're all trying to keep our sanity...
Am back in my room now - deliberating between starting my assignment or watching a show on my com... Looks like the assignment is winning out... :p

Sometimes...

Sometimes being a worship coordinator can be rather trying....

This semester

Everything's quiet at this hour. Mmmmm..... Sweet....

Work's waiting - but it can wait while I savour this moment.... *contented sigh*

Another semester's coming to an end. In this sem, quite a few friendships have grown deeper, some have grown apart, some have begun anew, some have just begun. Another season of change. Another season of learning....

Assignment wise, things are more settled, the fears have receded somewhat... Though of course there are improvements that could be made next semester. Oh well, another semester of moving forward in this area I suppose. On the whole though, am thoroughly glad that most of the assignments are completed just two more to finish up by next Thursday.

Am looking to this break - to going for the mission trip - a learning experience of a different kind. Am looking forward to having some restand to hanging out with a few friends that I've been close to this semester before I head back to work in the office in June. I am looking forward to going back to the office in June - to spend some time with people in the worship ministry as well as with the CUG people. There have been many times that I wished that I could spend a little more time with them - though I've gotten to know a few of them better.

Have become closer with my prayer group as we open to one another and share each other's struggles. Gerrad and Joshua's been especially good companions this past sem. I've also enjoyed much of the coffee sessions with Kar Yong and Silvester - their conversations are always interesting. *grin*. My room mate's been somewhat whacky but a great roomie. :)

This semester's been more balanced in terms of work and rest - have been getting more rest and learning to practice the Sabbath. It's been a good challenge for me to learn to rest. I more and more realise how much of a workaholic I can be sometimes. :p My inner life has definitely been better for it.

A Way Back Into Love

Watched Music and Lyrics recently. This song's being going on and on in my head. As one person said, "It's sweet, Just sweet.."

I've been living with a shadow overhead

I've been sleeping with a cloud above my bed

I've been lonely for so long

Trapped in the past, I just can't seem to move on

I've been hiding all my hopes and dreams away

Just in case I ever need em again someday

I've been setting aside time

To clear a little space in the corners of my mind

All I want to do is find a way back into love

I can't make it through without a way back into love

Oh oh oh

I've been watching but the stars refuse to shine

I've been searching but I just don't see the signs

I know that it's out there

There's got to be something for my soul somewhere

I've been looking for someone to shed some light

Not just somebody just to get me throught the night

I could use some direction

And I'm open to your suggestions

All I want to do is find a way back into love

I can't make it through without a way back into love

And if I open my heart again

I guess I'm hoping you'll be there for me in the end

There are moments when I don't know if it's real

Or if anybody feels the way I feel

I need inspiration

Not just another negotiation

All I want to do is find a way back into love

I can't make it through without a way back into love

And if I open my heart to you

I'm hoping you'll show me what to do

And if you help me to start again

You know that I'll be there for you in the end

May the Words of My Mouth

May the words of my mouth and the thoughts of my heart
Bless Your name, bless Your name, Jesus
And the deeds of the day and the truth in my ways
Speak of You, speak of You, Jesus

For this is what I'm glad to do
It's time to live a life of love that pleases You
And I will give my all to You
Surrender everything I have and follow You
I'll follow You

Lord, will You be my vision
Lord, will You be my guide
Be my hope, be my light and the way
And I'll look not for riches, nor praises on earth
Only You'll be the first of my heart

I will follow
I will follow
I will follow You

Randomness and joyfulness

Corinthians assignments are waiting to be done, church work is waiting to be done, another small assignment waiting to be done.... *sigh*
Me being my usual scatter brain self, just feel the need to do some blogging at the moment - in spite of all that are waiting to be done - was just inspired by another friend to write this blog entry.

Random thoughts:

• Am quite satisfied with the A&W float I just had earlier this evening


• Had a terrific weekend


• Church History test on this Friday.. :p


• Worse still, Greek test's on Monday


• Both Corinthians assignment are due next Friday (as my fav TV character Monk would say - it's a blessing and a curse)


• Looking forward to the coming break - a bit tired of doing assignments. Am looking forward to hang out with some of my friends without the assignments or exams hanging over our heads.


• Love of reading has somewhat palled this semester, hope to be able to read the stuff that I'm interested in


• Bought a new book on Saturday from Evangel - looking forward to it


• The weather is awfully hot


• I have to play the piano tomorrow morning


• I'm planning to sleep late tonite - at least finish some reading for my corinthians assignment and finish up the small assignment (otherwise another lecturer will definitely kill me)


• Looking forward to having some solitude time sometime soon


• Saw a pretty interesting video the other day - it was Wes (a little brother in Australia that I was quite fond of) proposing to my close friend Sarah. Miss them heaps as I watched the video and at the same time am so glad for them. They got married Feb this year.



• Am glad to have good girl friends who will stay up until ungodly hours to encourage me to do my assignments.


• Am so happy that the CUG ministry is coming along. Looking forward to spending time with the girls during June. They're a lovely bunch of people.


• Am so happy that God's working in the lives of those in the worship ministry - some are having a greater concious of a need for transformation in their lives. Am so encouraged by answered prayers.


• Am looking forward to having a new guy in the ministry this Friday. Am encouraged to see how God is working in his life and his family's.


• It's amazing how God's answering one or two prayers for my family-miraculous even.


• Am glad to have ppl like Tim and Jon around. Their willingness to come and pick us up on Sunday mornings and go for breakfast with us is very touching and encouraging.

Feel like I'm on top of the world
Yet part of me is a little afraid of falling from here
But for now, I will revel in this joy that You've given me
I will just marvel at every good thing that You've done
Am so amazed by Your grace
Am speechless at Your wonderful works
I want to shout to the world of all that you've done for me
Thank You so much my Father in Heaven!!

Reflection on Worship Retreat

Have been meaning to write this post in the last few days. For a host of reasons (needed post-retreat rest, assignments, etc...) was not able to until now. Just submitted an assignment - feels liberating... Have a few more to go. :p

Anyways - back on thoughts of Worship Retreat. This was the second one I've organised for the Worship Ministry in my church. It was more challenging as last minute, I ended handling all the details (did I mention that I'm in the midst of assignment season? :p This just meant that last week was an almost impossible week).

In the end, it was pretty worth it. I must say that it wasn't perfect - then again I wouldn't wish it to be. However, the group was small enough that the fellowship was really good and meaningful. The sense unity in the group was amazing - in the discussion and in the worship sessions. It was also timely as many in the team have been feeling rather tired. Ps Soon Hock messages really hit the areas that really needed to be addressed. Everyone was challenged by his messages -about our lives on/off stage, how we need to move on from where we are, the forms of worship (our church culture and who we want to reach out to). It was a good time of thinking and discussion on the the ministry. It was an encouragement to see both young and old in worship and in agreement with one another - though some of the discussion was funny. I think Ps have not realised what an odd bunch of people in the church he was inheriting (especially when we were discussing about lighting in the church- he was giving us funny looks- like in the pic below - when many said they were more comfortable with worshiping in the dark... kekeke).

My friendship with a friend also went deeper as we shared our stories and struggle with one another. I saw another side her and marriage through the sharing time. Gave me lots of food for thought. Also, I didn't feel so alone in my struggles cos she's been through more or less the same thing. We both saw how far God's brought us and how he's continually healing our lives. It was really awesome. Worship held more meaning for me after sharing - to continually know that He loves me and that I'm not alone....

I've also learnt to love the people in the ministry more as I get to know them more. Some of their quirkiness are rather endearing. The fellowship times over meals and mamak was rather fun as we spent time bonding with one another. I rather enjoyed the devotion time - I think it really spoke to many of us as we shared based on the material provided by Ps. On the overall, it was a great time.


Dear God,
Thanks for being with us at the retreat. It was a great time especially since you were there. Thanks so much for everything at the retreat!

Food, Food, Food

It's been a rather hectic weekend - the usual rush around with stuff at church this weekend. Friday with college group and rushing to get a thing or two done for Saturday. On Saturday, chaired a meeting (that's usually done by my boss but he had to move house-so that was that), Rushed to a lunch thingo - a really cool lady and her husband from church invited all church staff for lunch and it was absolutely lovely! We had home made poh piah, Nasi lemak that was absolutely fantastic - there were fried chicken, beef rendang, sotong and petai, sotong with sambal, some cupcakes with nuts, there was some home made kuih and home made 'goreng pisang' (fried banana). To top everything, there was fantastic coffee to finish the meal. It was an awesome treat. :) I enjoyed the fellowship with the office staff. It was a great lunch.
After lunch, we rushed back to church. Had worship practice (which thankfully wasn't as disastrous as the weekend before). Was worn out by the time 5.30 came.

Hung out with Tim and Jon - they kindly agreed to pick my sis from the lrt station and took us for dinner. We had lovely nasi lemak at another place that we have not been for a long time. Tim and Jon were rather amusing to be with as usual. But have come to love those two like my own brothers. They are really colourful characters - reminds me a bit of my family at times. *fond grin*. Had a nice evening with my sister. We watched "The Holiday" on DVD together and just hung out. I went to sleep after.

Tim and Jon (who have dubbed themselves as my drivers to church when my mum's not around) picked me up to church around 7 something and we went for breakfast together. The journey in the car was highly entertaining as usual. Jon has a really bad sense of direction - for the umpteenth time we had to direct him how to get to church from my house - so it made for an interesting ride on top of the constant brotherly bickering that those two are always involved in. kekkee

The time of Praise and Worship went well with one or two negligible hiccups. Am becoming fond of my new senior pastor and his wife. Am just very touched to see them come and pray with the team each week and show concern in the worship team. I think he had a good talk with Kerry and he played well on the drums today - better control of the volume.

Senior Pastor gave a practical, encouraging sermon about seeing changes - that we need to seek God to see changes(starting with ourselves). I particularly liked his peanuts illustration - about Lucy saying that she wants to change the world if she had the power. The other character said, "How would you do that?". Lucy replied "I would start by changing you." It was a refreshing perspective. God changes the world by changing me. Hmmm....

After service, had the usual feedback and prayer session followed by a special short meeting with the worship ministry members which went well. Helped out aunty Siew Leng on a special request with the children. *slight shudder* It was a bit chaotic :p. Thankfully it ended well. I really admire uncle Daniel with the way he relates with the children.

Had lunch(food again!) with some ex-cross gen leaders (now college group and young adults leaders) as well with pastor 'Choon' and Senior pastor and his wife. It was a good time of discussion. We were encouraged by Sr Pastor though we didn't settle on anything concrete - his insistence on us to continue to seek the Lord for our ministry and not pressing our own agenda is consistently a good reminder for us. We had a short discussion about personalities (Sr pastor says that he's an introvert - which makes it quite interesting cos most extroverts tend to hold prominent positions in our church - not to say that we don't have introverted leaders). I like something that he said - introverts think before they talk and extroverts talk to think out stuff. Made a few of us appreciate that aspect of ourselves more. *grin*

Came back to STM and had more food with a lecturer and his wife. It was a good time of fellowship as well.

All in all - it was a great weekend with lots of food (of course!). hehehhe

*slightly cynical* thoughts

It's been a long week. I've been sleep deprived - my perfectionist tendecies kicked in the last week as I was preparing a sermon for my homiletics class and I ended up having sleep for about 3-4 hours a night. All that said, the sermon went pretty ok yesterday morning (especially after 2 hours of sleep). I was finally satisfied with what I had at 5.30 in the morning. My class was at 9am.

I think I have caught up with my much needed sleep - though the rush back to my church in PJ has taken its toll and I'm rather sleepy at the moment. Am sitting in the main sanc now while waiting for the college group to start. Was rather surprise to see that there's an event in my church. I find it a bit bizzarre actually. There's bunch of musicians and a bunch of ladies (and one or two men!) twirling around on the stage in white and with some poles which is suppose to hold up wings! One of the things that come up in my head as I watch them is that - they should use their energies better to reach out to those who are poor and downtrodden if they can put up so much energy into an event like this.

They've been singing "commune with me" over and over and over and over again in the last 20 minutes - bizarre huh? I guess that I'm a bit cynical - but in view of what I shared for the sermon yesterday and my conversation with a friend after that, it's a bit more understandable I suppose.

I shared about how the Christian life needs to be transformed. My friend agreed with me that our worship and what we do in church would be meaningless otherwise. If we do not walk the ways of Christ, it doesn't matter what we sing, it doesn't matter what we say. We Christians really need to work more on the renewal of our minds. *sigh*

Post Shock

I have a pile of work to do- namely worship related stuff, dorm stuff and preaching preparations. My hands are somewhat shaky as I type this out and my emotions are not quite calm. Am just in a state of post shock.

Had an accident on the way back- a friend was driving. I guess we're both recovering from the image of the motorcyclist flying and hitting the poles. One of the motorcyclist was bleeding rather badly and for a moment I did wonder if he broke anything. It was like from one of the scenes that they have on tv on drive safely campaign - only this time it was real.
By the grace of God, we managed to find a hospital, get advice from some friends and was in the right mind to tell my friend to call her church leaders to ask for help. They were helpful when they arrived at the hospital and thankfully managed to settle amicably.

I thank God that nothing more serious happened- no one broke a limb and stuff like that. My friend's car has a dent and the motorcycle still worked (though the engine was a bit crappy after the incident). I thank God for friends that helped. Thank God for calmness so that I could be a support for my friend on the way back. Thank God that the other two people were not unreasonable, though one of them was a bit of a pain. :P Will probably have a good cry after this - am in no mood to do work. Through it all I am amazed by God's hand over this - for his grace and mercy and his covering.

A short entry

It's assignment period- need I say more? It's the usual cagey feeling that I hate - the feeling of being stuck to the infernal chair when one could be doing other more fun things to do - but such is life I guess. :p There are times when one just have to sit down.

Prayers are definitely coveted at this time.

*sigh* back to the drawing board..

I come to You

I come to You, O Creator of the earth
Acknowledging that you are my Creator

And I am merely your creation
I thank You for breath of life, for each new day
For the blessings, for the joy
For the pain and the trials

I come to You, my blessed Redeemer
I call You Saviour
With a heart that is grateful
For the grace that's been given
For the price that You've paid
I'm in awe that You would choose to love one such as me

I come to You, my Best Friend
You've heard my prayers through the years
Both great and small, both praise and petition
You've always been there through the bad and good
And though friends may forsake me
Though those that I depend on fail me
You alone have always been there

I come to You, Lover of my Soul
Words cannot describe the love that I have for You
You fill the void deep within me
With love that overflows for You alone
I cannot help revel and savour this love you have for me in silence
For words are lost to me in such moments

Psalm 25

Of David.

To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul;

in you I trust, O my God.

Do not let me be put to shame,

nor let my enemies triumph over me.

No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame,

but they will be put to shame who are treacherous without excuse.

Show me your ways, O LORD, teach me your paths;
guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior,

and my hope is in you all day long.

Remember, O LORD, your great mercy and love,

for they are from of old.

Remember not the sins of my youth

and my rebellious ways;

according to your love remember me,

for you are good, O LORD.

Good and upright is the LORD;

therefore he instructs sinners in his ways.

He guides the humble in what is right

and teaches them his way.

All the ways of the LORD are loving and faithful

for those who keep the demands of his covenant.

For the sake of your name, O LORD,

forgive my iniquity, though it is great.

Who, then, is the man that fears the LORD ?

He will instruct him in the way chosen for him.

He will spend his days in prosperity,

and his descendants will inherit the land.

The LORD confides in those who fear him;

he makes his covenant known to them.

My eyes are ever on the LORD,

for only he will release my feet from the snare.

Turn to me and be gracious to me,

for I am lonely and afflicted.

The troubles of my heart have multiplied;

free me from my anguish.

Look upon my affliction and my distress

and take away all my sins.

See how my enemies have increased

and how fiercely they hate me!

Guard my life and rescue me;

let me not be put to shame,

for I take refuge in you.

May integrity and uprightness protect me,

because my hope is in you.

Redeem Israel, O God,

from all their troubles!

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There is just something about this psalm that just hits me whenever I read it. A part of me can't help but respond in worship...

Assignment time!

• Stressed (from a bit to a lot)
• Bleary
• Very focused on work for spurts of time (depending on when the assignment's due)
• Rather be elsewhere (movies, reading a non-assignment book)
• Library camp out (so that one does not fall asleep in the bed room)
• All nighters
• Try not to get sick
• Sleepy
• Rather be doing something else!
• Listen to music to calm nerves
• Multi-tasking
• End up doing other things at times (like blogging-keke)

Thoughts

"Let go.. trust me..." the still small voice said. "No! I just can't" she yelled, tears of frustration sounded in her voice. "I'll lose everything! My world will fall apart! I cannot let go! Do you understand what you're asking me to do?"

"Trust me and let go.." the still small voice said again "I love you... Do you love me?"
"If you love me, you will obey me."

She was so torn. She was afraid. "What ifs" were running in her mind. A part of her wanted to let go and just trust him - the other part just screamed to hold on. Why did she had to let go? Her world was so happy before. "No. You weren't totally happy. Admit it. A part of you were miserable - only, you hid it well." - the brutal, honest voice in her voiced out. "Let go - who knows where you'll end up. But He's never failed you before right?" "I'm afraid. I'm afraid of what'll happen when I let go. I'm afraid of change. I'm afraid of being alone. I'm afraid I'll never find something like it again." "Trust Him..."

"Trust me..." the still small voice spoke to her turbulent heart.

Like a small child, she closed her eyes and slowly, slowly let go - blood dripping from her hands from holding on so tightly.

A few months later
Her world is now different - just as had once she feared. Her hands are scarred somewhat - though healing nicely because of the healing touch of her Father - a reminder of a time past. Yet, a peace that surpasses understanding surrounds her. She's much stronger now that she is no longer bleeding.

"Trust me" a still small voice says to her daily.

"I will, my Father. At least, I'll try. Catch me when I fall ya?" a smile in her voice as she replies.

**********************************

Writer's note: Sometimes I feel as if God asks me to let go of something that I feel will tear my world apart if I do. When I finally do let go, my world does fall apart but somehow my world becomes different in a initially scarily strange way but gradually it becomes beautiful. It is as if He continues to correct my lenses and my perspective of the world around me. He teaches me to 'see' another aspect of Him - it's not just a knowing in my head but a knowing with every part of me as I experience it.

I Thank God...

This week has been an amazing week for me. Attended special lectures that really challenged my world view on a certain topic. It was rather like a whole new world being revealed to me. I thank God for the lecturer as his testimonies have rather challenged me to look at my own life.

I thank God for my friends in the picture above - they are an amazing bunch. We moved past a milestone in the journey of our friendship last week and it was awesome. :) Am glad to have them in my life.

I thank God for the opportunity to catch up with a dear friend today. Have not seen her in a while but am glad that we could do so and that we could be an encouragement to each other through our struggles..

I thank God for a conversation that I had with another friend today. It was just good to just talk. Was encouraged from things that I newly learnt about him.

I thank God for my sis and bro. Was extremely happy that they attended ABS(Adult Bible School) today. Am glad that my sis found it interesting enough that she didn't fall asleep. *grin*

Life's not been exactly a bed roses (it rarely is) - but am continually grateful for the small blessing along the way that help me move on.

Recap of the day

It's been a rather long day. Had classes the WHOLE day. Thank God it was raining and gardening ended up being cancelled. Otherwise I would be really really bushed by now(I spent those hours snoozing in my bed instead).

It's been a good day of learning though. I had Corinthians class - I totally agree with Silvester. I really like the reflection part of the class. Much to think about persecution and the church of Malaysia - how being able to worship freely indeed is a privelege. Also was challenged to think about the song "In Christ alone". About how Paul would probably said that in every suffering (instead of victory) his source of strength and hope was Christ.

Had a ball of a time at Christian Education class too. Always come out of the class feeling very challenged and blown away. Herbert Tan's really a great 'educator' (CE jargon - hehehe). Learnt so much stuff - how we need to re-think of the way we teach in church - that many times when we teach we only adress the cognitive part of man (and neglect the emotional and behavioural aspect). We also did discussions on what's the best way of learning for different groups of ppl - it was really interesting to see how different ppl learn. Also learnt how powerful experiential learning is. Herbert gave the example of how someone who was a spiritual father carried this 40-year-old guy up the stairs(this guy's father never hugged or showed any affection through touch) to show a father's love. His experience helped him to understand what it meant when God said in the OT how He would carry his ppl and sing over them. Definitely some stuff to think about there.

Another thing that was kept on being repeated for today is the importance of the church being relevant to the society and community around them - especially with the current issues. We have been slow to address issues around us and many times sweep the more difficult/sensitive issues under the carpet. That being said, I guess that this is true of me too. I have hardly been reading the newspapers lately. Definitely something to examine and continually work on.

Dear Father,
So much to learn today - help it not just be an intellectual exercise. Rather, please help me to connect it to daily life. I want to glorify You in all I do.

To forgive or not to forgive?

It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a friend. - William Blake

Thoughts

A close friend wrote today to ask me how I've been doing and I've realised that I've not been posting up anything lately - I blame it totally on the almost non-existent internet connection from the girls dorm. :p (ok ok - partly my laziness also laa)..

Going into the fourth week of semester now - there's the 10 assignments that are practically yelling to be done, one special project (still deciding whether i should take it up), the weekly greek stuff and the weekly weekend practical work. Have also finally taken the step to start driving classes. *grin. I can hear my long time friends saying "FINALLY". Will hopefully finished everything by mid March before things begin to get really crazy here. Also have had my first guitar class - might have to be on hold until i find time to practice :p. Sounds really crazy huh - but am rather having a ball of a time. Sometimes I do feel the pressure of time but am happy as a lark for now.

On a more personal side, I am continually glad for the support of friends who continue to rally around me - who show me not necessarily with words but with actions that they care. These couple of days, I've also been having some conversations with some friends which reminded me of the preciousness and fragility of friendship. I attended a talk on bitterness recently and the speaker from RBC recently said that according to statistics, a person is counted fortunate if they can find 5 good friends in their life. I count myself truly blessed cos I have more than that - I consider them a gift from God(haha - i know i'm starting to go on and on but sometimes words cannot adequately express my gratitude). Things have not necessarily been smooth going - but as another wise and good friend said, it's definitely part of God's way of moulding me.

There is a group of friends that I do truly miss - though I may not say much. They've taught me a lot in the last year and I do miss their friendship but at the same time, I cannot ignore the sense of rightness - that I am where I'm supposed to be now. For a long time, sorrow had outweighed joy. However, I do wish them the best with their spiritual journey - perhaps one day I'll say more about it. For now, I can but quote my friend who has written what resonates in my heart:

"God has to teach me that earthly pleasures can only fulfill in proportion to how much they foreshadow heaven's glory. Our earthly friendships, marred by selfishness and separation, must pale in the face of eternity; the surprise is not that our friendships are this fragile, but that they exist at all, in this world where we so often withdraw into ourselves by sin and pain and the fundamental isolation of simply being human. We grieve the friendships which we lose or pause, but in this short and brutish world we should be joyfully astounded that we shared those brief moments together at all. Every moment in which minds meet is a miracle." -Shern Ren-

In the midst of all these happenings, I'm continually challenged by God in my walk with Him. I struggle to blog down openly the joy and the downs of my relationship with Him. There have been times when I've just sat in a dark corner just crying my heart out for more of Him only to be met with silence. And yet, there have been times of joy and peace that surrounds unexpectedly - sometimes in the unlikeliest of places. Am still working out my relationship with Him - but am learning to appreciate the unexpected from Him and to continually trust him in my journey with Him.

Dear God,
I love you because You first loved me. I seek You because You have first sought me. Thank You....

Rant

Am just bloody angry rite now. I had hoped for better. I guess not. They don't care if innocent people are hurt. The important thing is that they are right. Can someone just shoot me if I become like that.

Prayer answered

As I stop to catch my breath this evening, I realise that I've rather unconciously been involving myself in a frenzy of activity the last few days. Today, went for classes, a movie, rushed back for Anglican chapel service, went out with my girl friends for our first prayer meet for the year, came back and went to visit Silvester's baby (who's really cute!), came back and went out for a drink with some friends. Will definitely need to make myself sit down tomorrow to do my work. :p

Was just doing some reflection something Dr Voon said during the retreat last weekend. She said something along the lines where when God asks us to do something, He will make a way for us. Didn't really realise how much I disbelieved that statement until this evening. Was just sharing with my girl friends (during the above said prayer meet) of what God laid on my heart this year - something I felt was a bit impossible to do on my own (it involved sitting still *gulp!* and waking up early! *double gulp*). While sharing with my friends, I felt what I was called to do rather daunting - I remembered that someone I really respected said that it was just not worth the bother and felt discouraged. Before we went to Silvester's place, another friend, without knowing my dilemma, proposed a solution. I was in a daze for a while - kinda still am. Am having an overwhelming sense of wonder and gratitude to KNOW that He does indeed make a way. I know I'll still have to make the effort (its not a stroll in the park) but am grateful that it's no longer as difficult as I thought it'd be. Thank You God.

To My Brother Sam....

Your existence is very much acknowledged!! *Cheeky Grin*Should have posted this up two months ago.. Love you very much! I've been blessed by your presence in my life.

Beginnings of second year in STM...

Everything and nothing is running through my head. Will attempt to type out something here as I've been promising to myself in the last few days that I should.

Am now back in STM for my second year- I can't believe that I'm now a senior (I think most of us in who are in the second year feels the same way). STM is the same and yet different - I think it's cos of the ppl. Most of my fellow class mates in the same year are back - and it has been awesome to meet up with them again. Of course there are the new students. I've made an extra friend or two - it will be interesting to see where the friendship will lead. One of them is my room mate. I've been blessed with a room mate that I can get along with and is pretty cool with the stuff I do (which I think can be a rather tall order for a person who lives with me - just ask my sis. :p). I've also been appointed dorm leader for my floor and overall for the girls (more like volunteered without permission) - and to think that exactly a year ago I thought "I'd never be a dorm leader - after all I can't speak mandarin". :P So much for thinking that in the first place. I am thankful however, for Lucy and Lan Yin who's on my floor. They've been a great support to me and have helped to take the edge off certain changes in my life back here - I think I'd be moping most of the time otherwise. Other than that, it has been a great pleasure to just sit in the evenings with the baby grand and just play to my heart's content. *happy sigh* I really missed it these last two months.

In my quest for a book on prayer by EM Bounds(recommended by my pastor), my friend and librarian has recommended me some books amongst them are two of Henri Nouwen's and 2 other books on spirituality. Am Currently Reading: "A New Kind of Christian" by Brian McLaren. It has been rather challenging. I have to pause after every chapter to really digest and wrestle with what was written. So am taking my time with it for now. It's been really good.

Overall it's been good to be back. It's not totally a bed of roses - there are some concerns (that's usual I guess) such as if I'd survive the assignments, concerns about friendships, ministry in church, etc... I guess I'll just have to commit it to the Lord and worry less and take it one day as it comes.

Dear Lord,
Please see me through this year. Thank You for the blessings that You've given. Thank You.

Growing up...

I have unexpectedly found myself with some time to blog - have been rushing around the whole day to complete the stuff I've to do before for my meeting with my pastor which is supposed to be now(plus the fact that I've taken a last minute leave to go up to the highlands meant that I have to clear tomorrow's workload too). After having a short lunch break (i ate at my desk after rushing downstairs to pack something at the cafeteria) and rushing around making calls, sending emails, clearing my desk, sending even more email and making it just in time for the supposed meeting at 2.30pm- he's asked for another 45 mins.

So i was thinking - to write a newsletter or blog?? Not exactly in writing-a-newsletter mode, so I here I am..

Last nite, a friend asked me about how I've changed in the last two months .I really hadn't had the time to think much about it. So, as I write this, it's a bit of a reflection time for me.

I've learnt to love the church more
Some people around me somehow get the impression that I look at the world with rose-tinted glasses. Trust me - I don't. I'm perfectly aware of the darker side of humanity and yet, I've learnt a long time ago that it's much better to look at the brighter side of things than to focus on the uglier side (of course sometimes I do overdo it - but am still learning how to balance). So, in the past year, while being in STM and exchanging thoughts with my community about the church - especially its weaknesses - I've come back to my home church to realise that I love the people in it very much despite its many weakness. Sure, it's not easy and there are MANY flaws. However, when one learns to focus on their strengths and to move on from there, you realise that the church is not exactly a totally bleak place- it just isn't perfect and people like you and me are a part of it. How we respond to it is important. Some people just sit and do nothing, some people just make comments and do nothing to change, some people just come on Sundays and go back unaffected... As for me, I've learnt that I need try to change what is within my grasp and as for what I cannot change, I learn to talk to the leaders of the church, commit it to God through prayer, and to try to gripe less.

I've learnt to complain less and to encourage more
Am not exactly at the point that I wish to be but I've come to realise time and time again that criticizing people in the church can cause a lot of pain and unnecessary hurts. A close friend of mine was hurt by certain things that the leaders said (some warranted- but mostly were unfounded). When she was doing well, no one said anything, but now that she doesn't seem to be doing very well, for a host of reasons (not necessarily her doing) negative comments seem to come pouring. I've realised that many times, I myself have not said much words of encouragement in the past year as I struggle with the issues in church. I've learnt that it is very important to do so. As I worked alongside with the children vacation workshop teachers, i was one day led to say "you're doing very well to a teacher". She had been working very hard and was very tired - I could visibly see her lighting up at my comment. It felt funny for me initially and I came to the realisation that I need to speak words of encouragement and to watch my words.

I've learnt to be more intentional
I guess that this is a lesson that I've been learning from my community in the past year. I've learnt that I CAN take breaks in between my work and be more intentional in building relationship with people. Am still learning it. I realise I do have a tendency to be so focused on certain things and neglect my relationship with people (some more than others). I've learnt that I need to include time for other people. I've been blessed by my time with people as I do so and I hope that I'm a blessing to others as I do so. I've learnt that as I do this, I hear stories about how God is working in people's lives or how much they need God in their lives.

Like I told my friend last nite, I've definitely changed. In some areas more than others. Some areas are definitely more visible than others.
However, there are areas in which I hope do not change:
That I would continue to have an attitude that is willing to learn and that I would desire to draw closer to God more and more each day.

Dear God,
Thank You for being with me - through each step, each stumble, each fall, each leap, each run in the past two months. I look forward to learning more this year - through family, friends, church, bible school - people that you bring across my path. Continue to teach me to love you more and to walk the path that you will me to.

A New Year...

A Happy New Year to all who's still faithfully reading my blog. I am encouraged when I hear from friends who tell me that they read my blog despite my lack of entries lately - Thank You. :)

With the flurry of activities in the last month, I realised I have not have had the time to do much journalling - much less blogging. Nevertheless, the last month has been a time of growth and challenge to me as I learn from the different situations that I come across as I do my practicum in my church. These two months have been a good time of learning as I am encouraged to broaden my horizons in different areas. I am looking forward to starting classes in two weeks time and especially to catch up with my friends at STM.

Some highlights of the last two weeks are that my ex-housemate from Australia came back for a visit. While it was a rather brief time with her, it was awfully good to see her again. Hanging out with her is always an eye-opening time. I'm continually reminded about how different life can be outside my comfort zone - how much people hurt and are in need.

My big bro came back for a brief visit from Aussieland too. It was awfully good to catch up with him too as he came back to Malaysia to do his 'pilgrimage'. My time with him brought back many good memories. I feel so blessed that he came here just to visit me and another of his friend. Thanks big bro.

Another highlight is that I spent about another 5-6 days in the highlands. It wasn't as restful as I thought it'd be -especially as there were many people going in and out. I met 3 delightful OA girls - Ina, Julia and Yuzzi - who wanted my family to adopt them at the end of the trip. :) It was the first time I spent Christmas eve at an anglican service - we rushed up to the highlands right after the Christmas musical on Sunday. I was really blessed by the service (though I did wish that they'd sing more carols.. I was especially moved by the sharing of the story of 'O Holy Night"). Early Christmas morn, we were joined by a team of my dad's friends and we headed into the jungle to distribute much needed supplies to those who were in need. That was pretty much what we did for the entire day and it was quite exhausting as we spent most of the day travelling on rather bumpy roads - at one point of time, the 4 wheel drive had to be towed by another truck as it could no longer take it anymore. It initially felt weird but it was a good experience to serve others instead of sitting in the pews of the church on Christmas day. All I can hope is that those that received were blessed by the little that we could give them.
Though I couldn't do the things that I wanted to do, I was thought again what it meant to really give (I certainly did not relish getting up so early - especially after a previously exhausting two weeks). Another day, my dad even made me walk in some really muddy areas just so we could give much needed supplies to another village at one of those areas which he dubs as hard-landing. The ride into the jungle alone can be pretty tiring.

I met another interesting character up in the highlands in my quest for finding internet connection (which I failed cos the internet lines were down due to the earthquake :p). Again, I was reminded how different others lives are from mine. Feel like a 'katak di bawah tempurung' (frog under a coconut shell) whenever I meet people like that - but always a good experience as it challenges my perceptions of life.

As a result of all the stuff that has been going on, I didn't make any New Year's resolution (I remember thinking on 31st during watchnight service - it's the end of the year already??? My body haven't really caught up with my soul yet!!)... Anyways, I'm glad for this new year - to more lessons, to deeper friendships, to new friendships, to challenges, to a closer walk with My Best Friend.

A lesson to remember...

I seem to be in a blogging mood today - never mind that I still have yet to prepare for worship this Sunday and finish up the songbook within the next two days! (eep!)...

Anyways, I attended prayer meeting tonite and met someone new to the church... She was asking me about Jesus' genealogy in the book of Matthew and Luke. It seemed to be very important to her. My recollections of what I learnt in class seems not to be comprehensive enough... :P I think I should try to remember more from classes next semester no matter how trivial the facts may be to me..

To my STM friends...

I have been catching up with quite a few friends from STM today - in between work today... As I catch up with them, I realise how much I miss being them. Being busy has helped somewhat... Sure - I've been learning a lot back here in my home church (I preached my first sermon today - it was a nerve wrecking experience but not as bad as I thought it was going to be) and am growing in my walk, but I do miss their friendship and support. I am grateful for friends here but everyone seems so busy and it's hard for me to share what troubles me in what I see for fear of being misunderstood. If not for my pastor, I think it would be a lot worse - but he is around and I am thankful for him.

So, to my STM friends, I am thinking of you. Know that you are being missed by a friend.. I look forward to seeing you guys again in January! In the meantime, I am praying for you guys and hope that you all are doing well at your practical churches. Take care...

Children's Vacation Workshop 2006 experience...

I find myself with quite a bit of time to kill before I adjourn to the highlands with my mum - and have decided to blog at the staircase of the church while waiting for her.. I'm looking forward to having a break after these last three days of being practically on my feet from morning till evening and with around 250 kids running around (can you just imagine the chaos :p)...

My eyes are drooping, my ears are ringing (from the screams and the noise), my stomach's crying out for food (it only had roti telur since), my brain's telling me that it wants to shut off cos of the lack of sleep (I woke up at 6 - I don't even wake up this early at stm!! :p)... Thankfully my headache has abated somewhat...

Since the beginning of last month, as part of stm's practical assignment, I've been asked by the church to help out with the children's programme. Apart from observing and evaluating the ministry, I was required to handle the practical arrangements and logistics from the workshop. The workshop experience included a sleep over, outing to Dominoes, Explorace (station games from room to room), telematch, BBQ and talentime, baking, knowing about pets session, christmas story telling and a whole lot of activities packed into 2 and a half days for the children. *phew*

After spending time with the children, a few things came to mind - children, while without guile, reflect their parents actions. If a child behaved in a certain way, it was very telling of how their parents were... While quite of few of us would object to being placed in a box this way - try spending time more time with kids and you'll really see what I mean.. While at times it's quite hilarious, many times it's been rather alarming... Sometimes, what the parents may do in gest or unthinkingly are taken on by the children and have long term impact.

This experience taught me one thing - it will be a while before i have my own kids (if ever)... In the meantime, I'm still a work in progress. :)

Sermon Struggle

Am preparing for a sermon on Romans 5:1-11 and it's been a struggle. I have been working on and off (admittedly, more off than on) on the passage for the last two-three weeks and feel that I am going nowhere. The passage seems basic and yet deep and I struggle to articulate what's on my mind and heart.

This evening, I bounced some reflective ideas with someone that I highly respect. The feedback that I received was that I'm in danger of being too academic and irrelevant. *groan* My greatest fear coming to life!!! :p On a more positive note, I did manage to find ONE good material that relates to the passage... Yipee Yay!

Happy Birthday Dan!

Hey Dan..
Just want to wish you a very Happy and Blessed Birthday!

You are one of the finest friend a person can have... Thanks for being a good friend to me this past year. I've been truly blessed by your friendship.

God Bless.

Ramblings

I find myself 'stoning' in front of the computer... So, after a few minutes, when my brain cells started kicking in again, I decided 'why not blog?'...
Things here are picking up - it seems to be going from slow to fast to faster. It's around 4.30 now and I've absolutely spent most of my focus today getting stuff done for the Children Vacation Workshop. My eyes are feeling droopy and my brain is generally protesting for a rest. I 've been so engrossed in my work that I totally forgot to call one of my friend to say good bye.. *sigh*... That 10 minutes(in which i was supposed to call him) turned to 2 hours before I realised how much time flew away. *sigh*...

Despite my complaint, I do love being back and the change of pace. I have quite a few roles at the moment- Christmas Musical director, help out with Christmas service, Cross Gen committtee, Camp Commandant for Children's Vacation Workshop, prepare for my sermon (includes exegesis) to the church staff *gulp*and my current role as Worship Coordinator. As I've informed one of my friends online, at least when I get bored with one job, I can change to another I get back to it after.

I find myself generally getting tired out at the end of the day.. When I get back, if I have no guests for dinner or no meetings, I just do the chores and play with my dogs and just savour the evening with my mum by talking or watching tv with her.

Other than all that, I've been bombarded with lots of thoughts as I go back to working in the church office. When I win the struggle with the lack of time, I'll try to blog down my reflections (I've attempted starting an entry or two but only got as far as the title - the window was left open for the rest of the day but just couldn't get any further. also, as it is, keeping a certain 20 minutes of solitude in the morning is already an uphill battle many times - I have to constantly remind myself that the work can wait and the emails that need to be read won't multiply by a hundred if i don't check it then and there). :P

That being said, I'm glad to be home - I love times with my family, I love playing with my dogs in the evening, I am glad to slowly connect back with my friends here (though I do feel the absence of my STM friends greatly at times - I look forward to seeing them again in 7 weeks or so)....

Ok... It's time to stop rambling and get back to the pile of work (which I'll see through by the grace of God)..

Happy Birthday Sis!

To My Dear Sis,

A Very Blessed Birthday to you!!! I hope this day will be a special one for you (though you're having your exams shortly).

I'm blessed to have you in my life as my sis and I love you very much!!

A B-day Prayer

Dear Creator, Father and Friend,
Thank You for this day- for creating me on this day so many years ago. Thank You for the gift of life.
Thank You for always being there -especially during the many times when I've desperately needed You. Thank You for Your love, guidance and assurance along my journey in life. I love You more than I could ever express.

Thank You so much for loving parents who have brought me up in Your ways - I don't know what I'd do without them. I've been especially blessed to have them and my siblings in my life as You've used them to mould me and refine me in so many areas of my life. They've been my conscience, my safety net and my companions in my journey of life. Thank You for the joy and the sorrow that shared in the past years.

Thank You too for the many people who You've placed in my life. Thank You especially for many great and wonderful friends who You've placed in my life throughout my journey thus far. I've learnt so much about You through them. They've enriched my life in many ways and I am who I am today because of them. They have been great blessings in my life as they show me different facets of You. I've learnt to treasure each one of them just because....

Thank You for the bad in my life - though I've hated them at the time, I now see that though it was painful and sad at times, I am the better for it. And even if I'm not, they teach me that I need You more and more and not to depend on myself.

Thank You for the many blessings in my life - for the many lessons taught. I've learnt to treasure each moment because they are a gift from You. I look back and I see that I've come so far. I look ahead and there's lots more to go and I thank You that You're going to be with me each and every step. I look forward to the coming year and the adventure with You that's ahead.

Your beloved child,
Ruth

Being back in the church office

This week has been a time of adjustment back to the church office. In the past week, some STM close friends stayed over, I attended a wedding and an ordination service - all which means that I'm still seeing STM people - which have made the transition of being home more bearable. I do miss people at STM(especially my close friends) quite a bit.

Being back at the office means busy-ness. Have just been given a list of assignments (on top of the ones that I've set for myself previously) and am closed to being overwhelmed. I expected lots of work but somehow, just not this much! *groan* Anyways, I'm sure once the momentum gets going, it should be cope-able.

Though things don't seem to have changed much in the office, I realise more and more that I've changed in the past year - especially in the way that I view church. I do see things that contradicts what I've come to believe and I struggle with those issues. "What do I do?" is foremost in my mind. I'm concerned of sounding overly critical and being misunderstood. I'm also concerned that I give wrong advise as I am still in the process of working out the issues. Just because others think that you are a Bible Seminary student, they tend to assume you have THE answers and that is somewhat daunting.

Well these are my thoughts thus far. I do hope to blog more often on my journey as I do my practical in church. I'm sure I'll have a fair bit of material as I try to apply what I've learnt in and out of classes in STM this year.

The fragility of life

Tears streamed down her weathered brown cheeks. The aura of sadness that surrounded her touched those who gathered around. Thoughts raced through her confused and grief filled mind. What made today different from tomorrow? The sun still shone, the birds still sang, mist still shrouded the surrounding mountains. And yet… he will never come back again. Where has he gone? Will I ever see him again one day? What will happen to my children? What will they do without their father? How will I feed their constantly hungry bellies in the meantime? Oh – what do I do now? Why has this happened to us – isn’t life already hard enough?
Darkness waited at the edges of her thoughts – waiting to drown her in oblivion.

Around her in the already cramped hut she called home, the villagers gathered – consoling her the best way they knew how. Some offered their condolences, some prayed, some rubbed her hands to sooth her and others just sat –sharing her grief with her through the silence.

In the next room, other villagers gathered. A body wrapped in cloth lay in the center of the room (as the family was too poor to afford a coffin). Life seems so fragile. Just earlier that morning, that same body was filled with breath of life. He went with his little son to build a long promised chicken coop for the family and suddenly, a huge rotten tree branch fell on him. With his 6 year old son overlooking and a last cry from him, he died – pinned down by its heavy branches.

Where oh soul have you gone? How does one console your widow? What will happen to your family? Where oh God were you in all this? Did you permit this to happen? Has he gone back to you – though he only desired to know you but was held back by something? Where, how, why, what – so many questions remain unanswered….


* On Monday when I visited an OA village. That morning, the head of the family passed away tragically as a rotting tree gave way and fell on him. I wrote this as a reflection of what I saw when my family went to visit the family of the deceased.

1st Year at Seminary's over!

Wow - the last 10 months has flown very quickly. My first academic year at Bible Seminary has come to an end. It's been a great 10 months of learning - despite its many struggles. The journey has been an awesome one. I continually thank God for good friends along the way who have held me up in those difficult times especially who have helped me through the many times when I've wondered if I'd make it. They have been amazing. I'm truly blessed to know and have them them in my life.

As I look back, I am continually amazed to see where I've gone in my journey in the past year in Bible Seminary. I am thankful for what I've learnt in my struggles as I continue to grow in my faith journey. There's still much to learn and so much growing to do but I'll leave that to God and take one thing at a time.

I'm now glad to be back in the church office for the next two months and work out what I've learnt in seminary. Though lots of work are piling and lots of things are ahead - I'm rather glad of the break from studies.

The gap between should be's and what is

I find myself struggling with what I should be and reality.
- I should be finished with my assignments by now but I have two left
- I should talk with several friends but I just can't at the moment
- I should be well (after all, I've been drinking water and resting a lot) but I seem to more worse off than two days ago
- I should be more of a blessing to others instead of thinking of my struggles but that's so far off in reality
- I should be seeking God's favour instead of man but I find myself failing so often
- I should be strong yet I find that I am weak
- I should read more, grow more and stay on top of things but am just helpless to do so

The struggle continues and wears me out sometimes but I am reminded that I need depend on Him more and more.

Somedays I ask...

Some days I ask, what on earth am I doing here?
- when the need is great and there is not enough help.
Though I may not be able to save the world, I can reach out to at least one.

Some days I ask, will I ever be ready for the work ahead?
- when the head knowledge surpasses heart knowledge.
I struggle with doing the things that I know I should do
and do things that I know I shouldn't.

Some days I ask, with all I know, what can I do?
- when I am but a small pawn compared to the giants who makes the decisions.

I ask these questions and wonder, not having answers..
And yet, I can but put my trust in You - in Your plans and will for me.

In my weakness

Be my strength..
I am so weak..

Moving on...

A thought just came to me while I was doing my assignment:
It's just funny how you can go on without certain things that you previously thought of as essential to your existence/things that will enable you to move on.

If You Want Me To - Ginny Owens

The pathway is broken
And the signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason
Why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to

No I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise
You're not through with me yet
So if all of these trials bring me closer to You
Then I will go through the fire
If You want me to

It may not be the way I would have chosen
When You lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'll never go alone

So when the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through
And I will walk through the valley
If You want me to


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Doing my church work, assignments, reflection of this semester and listening to music at almost the same time (I hear Dan's voice in my head telling me to 'focus'! *grin*).. This song above just really ministered to me once again - so apt in view of my journey thus far.

Awesome Pastorate Group Mission Trip

Salty drops of sweat dripped unheeded down their brow. Their hands were too busy shovelling, hoeing, carrying dirt, mixing and cementing to pay heed. Eventually, their bodies and shirt were drenched with sweat and covered with a layer of dirt. Specks of dust rested on their hair. Arms and feet that were unused to hard labour ached. The smell of freshly dug soil blended with the cool fresh air. The air was filled with a mix of the sound of laughter, the sound of voices as stories were shared, the sound of the hammer banging, birds chirping, monkeys chattering, music blaring from the radio and the clucks of chicken who could be seen pecking at fat juicy worms that have been disturbed from their hiding place due to the digging of the earth. There was a sense of wonder, contentment and peace as they laboured together....




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Am back from mission trip!! Above is a short description of our experience as my pastorate group worked alongside with a team from Doulos on a building project in the jungle- in the midst of nature. My arms, legs and back are totally aching (it was really funny - cos everyone in my group groaned whenever we stood up or sat down today- climbing staircases was an ordeal too) and one side of my right leg is swollen cos of an insect bite. :P Nevertheless, the past few days has been a totally awesome experience... (photos here)

My amazing pastorate group Kirubai (Grace) members.


I've learnt so much about my pastorate group members and got to see a totally different side of them- this trip seems to have brought out the best in them. Somehow, before this trip, though we met only once a week, the ice was still unbroken. Once we picked up shovels and cangkul on Monday when we arrived at the village, the ice broke in a very big way as we worked together.

My respect for one my pastorate group members - Moses- has gone up by many notches.. He could still play volleyball when we got back!!! It was just amazing especially he since he carried several bags of 50kilos bags of cement down the steep hill and he weighs less than that(I kid you not!) ... As a comparison, it took the other 4 guys(Anthony Ho, Chris Dali, Takeshi and Lim) to carry ONE bag down the hill. To hear their story, it was very hillarious. We were laughing till we cried during our group sharing last nite.

As for Takeshi and Vicky - they were real troupers. Working hard doing whatever that needs to be done. Takeshi seemed to be all over the place - accomplishing whatever he did efficiently and enthusiastically (he broke 2 shovel handles in the process-the look on his face was just priceless. Pastor joked about how the shovels were not Japanese made and therefore inferior to Takeshi's expectations. Lol).. Vicky was always so smiley - no matter how tired or tough things got. She was even smiling when we were carrying all the heavy materials down the hill. The rest of us were all busy looking serious - trying to concentrate on carrying our stuff and worrying about not falling down the steep slope at the same time. We were also a bit worried about the imminent rain wetting the cement bags.

Had a glimpse of another side of Anthony and Maryanne. They were quiet - but chipped in in whatever they could help out with. It was the same with Chris and Lim. Even Pastor Joseph was just simply amazing. He could have complained that he was old and took a step back. Instead, he was in the middle of everything we did. He was one of the first to grab hold of the shovel and started shovelling and clearing the area for the church that we were building. Yesterday, he and some of the guys worked into digging a 4 feet deep hole to build a toilet. They worked really hard at it and it took them hours to complete the task. They were really wiped out at the end of it. No one could walk a straight line due to exhaustion at the end of the day.

I was really proud of my group. They put in everything they had. Even the Doulos team that was with us were just amazed at the things everyone accomplished.

Sharing lives
I especially loved the sharing of lives and sharing of stories. From Uncle Brian (a family friend and someone partnering with dad in ministry), we heard stories of the struggles of the OAs and the challenges of the ministry.

I've learnt so much more about my pastorate group members too, about their backgrounds, their struggles and their dreams.

I loved hanging out with the Doulos team. There were six of them. SK from Korea, Daniel from Switzerland (leader of the team and a former postman), BJ from Norway (she's a carpenter and just such an encouragement to everyone), Caroline from USA (She worked alongside with my bro in the Book Ex on the ship), Nyree (from Melbourne, Australia and a teacher on the ship) and Kotie (She's from South Africa and is a teacher on the ship. She's also the youngest member in the team).. I was really blessed as I sat down with them to hear their stories and their struggles as they serve on board the ship.


Memorable moments

• Sharing from Lim about how he saw another side to Camerons - and how he was just really challenged. His sharing brought tears to our eyes.
• The spontaneous reading of the Bible to encourage one another in the open air
• How everyone worked together in unity despite differences in race, culture and gender
• Our sharing of meals together. During lunch, though everyone was covered in grime and there was dust everywhere, we were really thankful for the simple fare and we shared our meagre food with one another.
• Sharing of stories
• Today's trip to the organic farm and meeting uncle Fang. He's such a philosophical farmer. Though not a Christian, his sharing was a challenge to us in our faith. Learning about the workings of the farm was pretty wonderful too.
• Praying together for a sick elderly OA lady. There were tears in her eyes as we prayed though I remember feeling so helpless and wished we could do more for her.

It was such an exciting time that I almost forgot about Greek test (till Moses reminded me last nite). *grin* I missed my closest friends in STM though - wished that they could be there too. Maybe next time.

Thank you God for these past few days. You've taught me so many new things. Thank You for reminding me of the things you have placed in my heart that I've forgotten. Though the last 3 days it's been so packed with stuff and the time has been so short, it's been really amazing! You are just so amazing. Thank You, thank You, thank You!!!

Travelling Week

Whoa... This week's been one of zipping here, there and everywhere(*grin*)... Here's my itinerary since last Wednesday..


Wednesday nite: Seremban->KL->Seremban - High Praise and go back to STM
Friday: Seremban -> JB - Friend's Wedding
Saturday: JB -> PJ - Go back to attend church 40th anniversary
Sunday: PJ -> Malacca -> Seremban - Go back to STM (before that go to Malacca to visit mum's friend)
Monday: Seremban -> Camerons - Go for pastorate group mission trip
Wednesday: Camerons -> Seremban - Head back to STM

It's Sunday and I'm now back in Seremban. The travelling has been tiring but it's been fun in it's own way. Reminds me of the good old days when my family used to travel all over Malaysia during the hols. *contented tired grin*

Happy 40th Birthday - PJEFC

Have been busy these past few weeks as my church gears up for our 40th anniversary celebration this Sunday. I had an awesome time last nite (wednesday nite) as both young and old gathered for High Praise(extended worship) and prayer that lasted from 8pm till 12midnite. It was held as part and parcel of the anniversary celebration. It was also just wonderful to see everyone rallying together during the High Praise to pray for Uncle Sam's well being as he undergoes tests and surgery.

Other than that, just thought to come out from my blog hibernation and 'pen down' some thoughts about my church.

I've been in PJEFC since I was a little girl of 8 years old. I've grown up with the church... I remember being scared of going to a new Sunday school(I think I even cried) - but I remember uncle Yee Khiam who was very welcoming and very funny and I eventually felt at home in Sunday School... When I was in my teens, I went through rough patches and I remember that I loved going to church - it seemed like a place of refuge when things seemed tough at home. I remember that I just loved being in the sanctuary and just playing on the grand piano on Saturdays when no one was around. Uncles and Aunties and friends seem to comfort me and they always seemed more like family. I remember me and my best friend, Myra talking about how we loved being in church and that it felt weird when we missed being there on a Sunday- even if we were away on holidays. It seems like my life have very much been intertwined with PJEFC.

When I think of PJEFC, I don't just think about the building. Many faces comes to mind - people whom I have grown up with and have journeyed with me in my faith; people who have laughed and cried with me; people who have helped me and supported me whenever I was at crossroads; people who I knew cared for me the best they knew how despite not understanding where I came from sometimes; people whom God has used and moulded me to be who I am today; people who have been an example of Christ to me in certain areas of my life. Many have come and gone through the doors of the church. PJEFC is not exactly a 'perfect church' and there are many flaws and still so many things to work through. There have been times when we wondered if the church would make it through certain situations. There have been times when I and many within the church have contemplated moving on to other chruches. When I think about certain periods, despite our flaws and where many churches would have ceased to function, by God's grace, we have come through those times and seem to flourish even more. It's just amazing... We never expected or planned to be where we are today. We acknowledge that it's only by God's grace that we are where we are.

Happy 40th Birthday PJEFC! May God's blessing be upon You and see You through another 40 years! Thank You for all the memories. Thank You God for PJEFC. :)

Hibernation

*yawn*
*stretch*
*open one eye*
*groan*
*close eye*
*yawn*
*making zzzs...*

Trying to wake up from my blogging hibernation... I think I'll sleep a little longer and wake up another day.