Have you ever had days where your past literally caught up with you. Recently something of that sort actually happens to me. I met up with a friend of mine who stays around kembangan. Ever since I move there, thought of messaging him and ask him out for dinner. It's been a long time since we actually hung out. Before I became religious and followed Jesus, I use to be what they called the street kids when every weekend I will be hanging out at Phuture or Zouk. We used to be have so much fun that we normally hang out at underground parties and perhaps just chilled out at the beach just being silly. I love those days. They are a really bunch of street kids that are full of ideas which is a cool contradiction to the norm of what our society might view us. We had ideas or rather they have ideas that will rather blow one's mind. Many of them became successful in their own rights. Some of you might have heard of Bertrand Lee. I rest my case. I miss you dearly Bert*Hugs* The best part from what I have learned was most of them turned into Catholicism! Wow praise God! I suppose those street kids and the bunch of outcasts are the ones that truly love God in the end. Hearing from Mark Tsi again, I missed the time that we actually shared. We are really reminiscing the times that we used to have. The parties they use to throw. The silly things that we did! That was countless and still dare say counting. I suppose if I hadn't bumped into Deubon at Pilates Bodyworks a few years back, I probably wouldn't have gotten in touch with Mark huh. So ya Praise God!Wondering whether I would get to see the rest of the groupies again!
At times I wanted so much to run away from my past but no matter how much I tried, it always seems to resurface again. I guess the Lord is telling me to deal with my past and accept them, rather than just running away from them. To remind myself to learn accept the person that I am . That's me or was me? Either one they are both significant to me, so there you go. We had a heart to heart talk about certain issues and it make us realises alot of issues that normally people would probably frown upon but we felt interested to dwell in anyway. I was asked would I ever go back to that faze again, probably not, but i wouldn't mind just sitting back at the beach that we use to do and just talk about anything under the sun. Where different ideas are raised and challenged our own different perspective in many ways. To dwell in the minds of theirs again. So much fun! I miss you guys so much. Love you guys always.
Love
Suzanne
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Monday, November 19, 2007
Sowing The Seeds Of Innocence
My dearest and most Beloved Jesus, I humble myself before your Most Holy presence and pray that You will bless us these little mustard seedlings to grow into Your most beautiful garden of all. In Your most Holy and precious name I pray. Amen.
Praying for The Holy Trinity
To grace Himself into my most humble abode
Where there's only God by my side day by day
and protecting me each night, by night
When The Holy Spirit pouring down on me and my entire being
Everything else seems insignificant and simply washes away
Seeking the purity and innocence that I so longed for
Where truthfully, where has it long gone?
How far have I have fallen?
How far have I slided?
Pray that You will lift me up, my most Beloved Lord Jesus
Cause only You know all of my inner heart's desires
At times i feel unworthy
At times i feel a shade of grey
But You are always there for me to make me whole again
Cleanse me of all my sins my Lord,Jesus
Where my old self seems to take me from You, far far away
What can i do but pray evermore fervently
That Your Holy presence will set me free once more
Seeking the innocence and purity of the heart in You
Where only in You ,i see
What hope is there for me but pray
For the Holiness in You to shine over me
Can all my sins be forgiven?
Can all my sins be set free?
Only You my most Beloved Lord Jesus
Can do all those wonders for me
Christmas carolling is around the corner
And how hopeful that we all are
To come together as one big family
To glorify Your birth before the day of Your Holy Splendor
Are we worthy to praise You O Lord, at times I ask?
Of course we are!
You our most Beloved Jesus
You our most Almighty King
Jesus please forgive us all, for all of our sins
So that we can truly see you with the love that is truly meant to be seen
Before the days of Your wonderful birth
We wish to praise You for all Your wondrous blessings
That You have graciously shine fore upon us all
We Love You O Lord ,our most beautiful Saviour
And to shout out loud to the world that You are the most Glorious king of them all!
In Jesus name. Amen
Loving You always,
Suzanne
Praying for The Holy Trinity
To grace Himself into my most humble abode
Where there's only God by my side day by day
and protecting me each night, by night
When The Holy Spirit pouring down on me and my entire being
Everything else seems insignificant and simply washes away
Seeking the purity and innocence that I so longed for
Where truthfully, where has it long gone?
How far have I have fallen?
How far have I slided?
Pray that You will lift me up, my most Beloved Lord Jesus
Cause only You know all of my inner heart's desires
At times i feel unworthy
At times i feel a shade of grey
But You are always there for me to make me whole again
Cleanse me of all my sins my Lord,Jesus
Where my old self seems to take me from You, far far away
What can i do but pray evermore fervently
That Your Holy presence will set me free once more
Seeking the innocence and purity of the heart in You
Where only in You ,i see
What hope is there for me but pray
For the Holiness in You to shine over me
Can all my sins be forgiven?
Can all my sins be set free?
Only You my most Beloved Lord Jesus
Can do all those wonders for me
Christmas carolling is around the corner
And how hopeful that we all are
To come together as one big family
To glorify Your birth before the day of Your Holy Splendor
Are we worthy to praise You O Lord, at times I ask?
Of course we are!
You our most Beloved Jesus
You our most Almighty King
Jesus please forgive us all, for all of our sins
So that we can truly see you with the love that is truly meant to be seen
Before the days of Your wonderful birth
We wish to praise You for all Your wondrous blessings
That You have graciously shine fore upon us all
We Love You O Lord ,our most beautiful Saviour
And to shout out loud to the world that You are the most Glorious king of them all!
In Jesus name. Amen
Loving You always,
Suzanne
Sunday, November 18, 2007
When Dreams Move Mountains
It's been a while since I penned my own thoughts. I have been itching to do so, but somehow felt that there weren't anything profound enough in my life that needs to be shared. So needless to say , I posted links instead that thought would be interesting for all to see.
Somehow I felt inspired to blog today cause maybe I have been reading a couple of blogs recently and it really touches me to know that there are real people out there that who truly cares. Sometimes i feel that my existence in the community will either nurture or break my fellow brothers and sisters next to me. Wow, being in a community is so intense but i know I can't live without the community either cause I am part of the community and I know so. When certain people leaves the community,it sadden my heart to think how much that certain hurts have been caused which might led to this, but rest assured it can be reconcilled with if only you allow it to be. ( So for those who haven't been around, I really hope to see you guys again. You know who you are and we misses your presence and we love you dearly)
Since the time I was invited to the community by Colin, things have changed alot for me over these years. Many blessings has been bestowed upon me abundantly and many insights have risen.I found real friends who really cares and willing to rebuke me gently when there are certain things that I fall short of. Which I might say there's plenty. Given that certain graces from the Lord which I sometimes feel unworthy of, but Jesus has made me worthy in His sight and I suppose all that it matters right?
We have tonnes of different views in lots of things but yet we still come together in love to share that different perspectives with one another. Sometimes our views clashes, sometimes our views may move mountains, at the end of the day, we do it for the glory of God. I always feel unworthy as I feel I should have given more, more and more. I should keep reminding myself that It was not i but my Lord, Jesus who found me, so I should feel honoured to serve Him even more and not fretting over how much i am capable of giving.Somehow I don't see that in me. At times i feel judged for my certain actions but sometimes I just let it be cause no matter how hard I try to explain myself it just seems so wrong. I guess I'm just tired that's all.Which is indeed what I have been facing for awhile now. I love everyone with all my heart, so much so that I pray that my own actions will not cause to the fall of others. Our God is a loving God, I have to keep reminding myself. Can anyone comprehend, I wonder? Only God knows...
Loving You always,
Suzanne
Somehow I felt inspired to blog today cause maybe I have been reading a couple of blogs recently and it really touches me to know that there are real people out there that who truly cares. Sometimes i feel that my existence in the community will either nurture or break my fellow brothers and sisters next to me. Wow, being in a community is so intense but i know I can't live without the community either cause I am part of the community and I know so. When certain people leaves the community,it sadden my heart to think how much that certain hurts have been caused which might led to this, but rest assured it can be reconcilled with if only you allow it to be. ( So for those who haven't been around, I really hope to see you guys again. You know who you are and we misses your presence and we love you dearly)
Since the time I was invited to the community by Colin, things have changed alot for me over these years. Many blessings has been bestowed upon me abundantly and many insights have risen.I found real friends who really cares and willing to rebuke me gently when there are certain things that I fall short of. Which I might say there's plenty. Given that certain graces from the Lord which I sometimes feel unworthy of, but Jesus has made me worthy in His sight and I suppose all that it matters right?
We have tonnes of different views in lots of things but yet we still come together in love to share that different perspectives with one another. Sometimes our views clashes, sometimes our views may move mountains, at the end of the day, we do it for the glory of God. I always feel unworthy as I feel I should have given more, more and more. I should keep reminding myself that It was not i but my Lord, Jesus who found me, so I should feel honoured to serve Him even more and not fretting over how much i am capable of giving.Somehow I don't see that in me. At times i feel judged for my certain actions but sometimes I just let it be cause no matter how hard I try to explain myself it just seems so wrong. I guess I'm just tired that's all.Which is indeed what I have been facing for awhile now. I love everyone with all my heart, so much so that I pray that my own actions will not cause to the fall of others. Our God is a loving God, I have to keep reminding myself. Can anyone comprehend, I wonder? Only God knows...
Loving You always,
Suzanne
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Are you too blessed to be stressed?
Do Your Best to Rest
by Jon Walker
“…There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest ….” (Hebrews 4:8b-11 NIV)
Most of us think of the Sabbath as a day of rest, originating from the day of rest God took after he created the universe, as recorded in Genesis. And that view is correct; that is the basis for us taking a Sabbath, a day of rest, within our own week.
Yet there is a larger sense of God’s Sabbath: an invitation to rest in God’s healing grace, trusting in his power and his purpose for your life. We rest in our Father’s arms, knowing he goes before and he goes behind, knowing that his plans for us are good and not evil (Jeremiah 29:11).
We enter this “let go and let God” rest through faith, where we cease to work and live independent of God (“… anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work …”). Instead, we’re to focus our efforts toward entering this Sabbath-trust in God, a restful certainty that God’s got a handle on it all, and that he’s got our best interests in mind.
If I recall correctly, Ian Thomas illustrates this point by telling the story of a man walking down a dusty rural road on a hot, humid day. The man is loaded down with a heavy backpack and carries a duffle bag in each hand. A pick-up truck comes along, and the driver offers the walking man a ride, telling him to hop in the back.
The driver heads down the road, but when he looks in the rear-view mirror he sees that his new passenger is standing in the bed of the truck – still holding both duffle bags, still wearing the over-packed backpack on his back.
The thing is: We stand in the truck of faith, still carrying our burdens, thinking they are independent of the ride we’re taking. Perhaps we think God can carry us, but not our burdens, that we have to keep bearing them ourselves.
What now?
· Rest in God – Rest in God’s power and grace, and work toward confidence (faith) that he is looking out for your best interests. “I believe; Lord, help my unbelief.
· Rest requires dependence – If you’re working independently of God, then you’re not at rest in God. Possible signs that you’re working independently: worry, a need to control, a crammed-full schedule. THAT IS SO ME!!! I NEED TO DEPEND ON GOD! MORE!
· Our Father’s heart encourages rest – Next time you feel overwhelmed by life, settle in a chair and “be still and know that he is God.” Give him your burdens – your backpack and your duffels.
· Faith leads to rest – Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” (John 6:28-29 NIV)
Raymond
by Jon Walker
“…There remains, then, a Sabbath-rest for the people of God; for anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from his. Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest ….” (Hebrews 4:8b-11 NIV)
Most of us think of the Sabbath as a day of rest, originating from the day of rest God took after he created the universe, as recorded in Genesis. And that view is correct; that is the basis for us taking a Sabbath, a day of rest, within our own week.
Yet there is a larger sense of God’s Sabbath: an invitation to rest in God’s healing grace, trusting in his power and his purpose for your life. We rest in our Father’s arms, knowing he goes before and he goes behind, knowing that his plans for us are good and not evil (Jeremiah 29:11).
We enter this “let go and let God” rest through faith, where we cease to work and live independent of God (“… anyone who enters God's rest also rests from his own work …”). Instead, we’re to focus our efforts toward entering this Sabbath-trust in God, a restful certainty that God’s got a handle on it all, and that he’s got our best interests in mind.
If I recall correctly, Ian Thomas illustrates this point by telling the story of a man walking down a dusty rural road on a hot, humid day. The man is loaded down with a heavy backpack and carries a duffle bag in each hand. A pick-up truck comes along, and the driver offers the walking man a ride, telling him to hop in the back.
The driver heads down the road, but when he looks in the rear-view mirror he sees that his new passenger is standing in the bed of the truck – still holding both duffle bags, still wearing the over-packed backpack on his back.
The thing is: We stand in the truck of faith, still carrying our burdens, thinking they are independent of the ride we’re taking. Perhaps we think God can carry us, but not our burdens, that we have to keep bearing them ourselves.
What now?
· Rest in God – Rest in God’s power and grace, and work toward confidence (faith) that he is looking out for your best interests. “I believe; Lord, help my unbelief.
· Rest requires dependence – If you’re working independently of God, then you’re not at rest in God. Possible signs that you’re working independently: worry, a need to control, a crammed-full schedule. THAT IS SO ME!!! I NEED TO DEPEND ON GOD! MORE!
· Our Father’s heart encourages rest – Next time you feel overwhelmed by life, settle in a chair and “be still and know that he is God.” Give him your burdens – your backpack and your duffels.
· Faith leads to rest – Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.” (John 6:28-29 NIV)
Raymond
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Paragimg shift
This really touched me and helped me look at things from God's perspective.
It makes so much sense!
Thank you God!
You are amazing!
I asked God to take away my habit.
God said, No.
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, No.
His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary
I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No.
Patience is a byproduct of tribulations;
it isn't granted, it is learned.
I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No.
I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.
I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares
and brings you closer to me.
I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.
You must grow on your own! ,
but I will prune you to make you fruitful.
I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.
I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.
Raymond
It makes so much sense!
Thank you God!
You are amazing!
I asked God to take away my habit.
God said, No.
It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.
I asked God to make my handicapped child whole.
God said, No.
His spirit is whole, his body is only temporary
I asked God to grant me patience.
God said, No.
Patience is a byproduct of tribulations;
it isn't granted, it is learned.
I asked God to give me happiness.
God said, No.
I give you blessings; Happiness is up to you.
I asked God to spare me pain.
God said, No.
Suffering draws you apart from worldly cares
and brings you closer to me.
I asked God to make my spirit grow.
God said, No.
You must grow on your own! ,
but I will prune you to make you fruitful.
I asked God for all things that I might enjoy life.
God said, No.
I will give you life, so that you may enjoy all things.
Raymond
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
mass at cathedral
Just came back from lunchtime mass and my heart is racing.
During mass, there was this man around the age of 50 who wore huge specs and looks like a china man. He made this funny gesture during mass which I thought was quite rude. So I started observing him and to my horror, he did the sign of the cross wrongly. Like right left up down! And so when it was communion time, I told myself to stop him and ask him if he was catholic. Cause I thought he might be satanic or something and had come to steal the host. So I was praying for him during communion, and he did not queue up. However, towards the end, he started walking very very fast straight to the priest and had communion. Luckily he ate it cause it would have been worse if he didn’t, right? So after mass, I went to speak to him and asked if he was catholic and he kept saying he was Christian and doesn’t seem to understand the word baptism and all. I couldn’t get my message across to him cause he seemed a little abnormal so I went to tell the church in charge to watch out for that man should he come for mass again.
Oh man up to now, my heart is still pumping very fast. Jesus is the Eucharist and we, as catholics really have to play our part in keeping it sacred, and also watching out for funny people during mass. (I once witnessed this lady at novena mass who stopped this guy and that guy was really a non catholic who had just came to look see. And she spent time after mass explaining everything about the church and asking the guy to sign up for rcia, praise god for her!)
Raymond
During mass, there was this man around the age of 50 who wore huge specs and looks like a china man. He made this funny gesture during mass which I thought was quite rude. So I started observing him and to my horror, he did the sign of the cross wrongly. Like right left up down! And so when it was communion time, I told myself to stop him and ask him if he was catholic. Cause I thought he might be satanic or something and had come to steal the host. So I was praying for him during communion, and he did not queue up. However, towards the end, he started walking very very fast straight to the priest and had communion. Luckily he ate it cause it would have been worse if he didn’t, right? So after mass, I went to speak to him and asked if he was catholic and he kept saying he was Christian and doesn’t seem to understand the word baptism and all. I couldn’t get my message across to him cause he seemed a little abnormal so I went to tell the church in charge to watch out for that man should he come for mass again.
Oh man up to now, my heart is still pumping very fast. Jesus is the Eucharist and we, as catholics really have to play our part in keeping it sacred, and also watching out for funny people during mass. (I once witnessed this lady at novena mass who stopped this guy and that guy was really a non catholic who had just came to look see. And she spent time after mass explaining everything about the church and asking the guy to sign up for rcia, praise god for her!)
Raymond
Monday, September 17, 2007
Msc rocks
hello seedlings,
as our 8th anniversary draws near i just want to thank god for all the blessings. its like i dunno what to say but looking back, it is evident everyone has grown alot spiritually and we have to thank god even for this faith he gave us so that we believe!
anyway some random thoughts. i was super tired a few days back and was sleeping on the bus and i fell asleep while talking to jesus. and then he was so sweet to wake me up 5 seconds before i reached my bus stop! i have overshot many times before and then i will get super demoralised cause i would have been extremely tired to oversleep then land up somewhere else instead!
so thank you jesus!
and i took this MBTI profiling. it costs S$250 and tells you more about your personality and what jobs you should take on. and apparantly 5 of every people with my profile do some religious work! haha. hmmmmmmmmmm....
praise god! byeeeeeee
as our 8th anniversary draws near i just want to thank god for all the blessings. its like i dunno what to say but looking back, it is evident everyone has grown alot spiritually and we have to thank god even for this faith he gave us so that we believe!
anyway some random thoughts. i was super tired a few days back and was sleeping on the bus and i fell asleep while talking to jesus. and then he was so sweet to wake me up 5 seconds before i reached my bus stop! i have overshot many times before and then i will get super demoralised cause i would have been extremely tired to oversleep then land up somewhere else instead!
so thank you jesus!
and i took this MBTI profiling. it costs S$250 and tells you more about your personality and what jobs you should take on. and apparantly 5 of every people with my profile do some religious work! haha. hmmmmmmmmmm....
praise god! byeeeeeee
Father's love letter
My Child ~
You may not know me, but I know everything about you ~ Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up ~ Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways ~ Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered ~ Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image ~ Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being ~ Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring ~ Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived ~ Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation ~ Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book ~ Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live ~ Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made ~ Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb ~ Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born ~ Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me ~ John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love ~ 1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you ~ 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your father ~ 1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could ~ Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father ~ Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand ~ James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs ~ Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope ~ Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love ~ Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore ~ Psalm 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing ~ Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you ~ Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession ~ Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul ~ Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things ~ Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me ~ Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart ~ Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires ~ Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine ~ Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you ~ Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart ~ Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes ~ Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth ~ Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus ~ John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed ~ John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being ~ Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you ~ Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you ~ 1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love ~ Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me ~ 1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again ~ Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen ~ Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father ~ Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is ~ Will you be my child? ~ John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you ~ Luke 15:11-32
Love, Your Dad, Almighty God
You may not know me, but I know everything about you ~ Psalm 139:1
I know when you sit down and when you rise up ~ Psalm 139:2
I am familiar with all your ways ~ Psalm 139:3
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered ~ Matthew 10:29-31
For you were made in my image ~ Genesis 1:27
In me you live and move and have your being ~ Acts 17:28
For you are my offspring ~ Acts 17:28
I knew you even before you were conceived ~ Jeremiah 1:4-5
I chose you when I planned creation ~ Ephesians 1:11-12
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book ~ Psalm 139:15-16
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would live ~ Acts 17:26
You are fearfully and wonderfully made ~ Psalm 139:14
I knit you together in your mother's womb ~ Psalm 139:13
And brought you forth on the day you were born ~ Psalm 71:6
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me ~ John 8:41-44
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of love ~ 1 John 4:16
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you ~ 1 John 3:1
Simply because you are my child and I am your father ~ 1 John 3:1
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could ~ Matthew 7:11
For I am the perfect father ~ Matthew 5:48
Every good gift that you receive comes from my hand ~ James 1:17
For I am your provider and I meet all your needs ~ Matthew 6:31-33
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope ~ Jeremiah 29:11
Because I love you with an everlasting love ~ Jeremiah 31:3
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the seashore ~ Psalm 139:17-18
And I rejoice over you with singing ~ Zephaniah 3:17
I will never stop doing good to you ~ Jeremiah 32:40
For you are my treasured possession ~ Exodus 19:5
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul ~ Jeremiah 32:41
And I want to show you great and marvelous things ~ Jeremiah 33:3
If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me ~ Deuteronomy 4:29
Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart ~ Psalm 37:4
For it is I who gave you those desires ~ Philippians 2:13
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine ~ Ephesians 3:20
For I am your greatest encourager ~ 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles ~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you ~ Psalm 34:18
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart ~ Isaiah 40:11
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes ~ Revelation 21:3-4
And I'll take away all the pain you have suffered on this earth ~ Revelation 21:3-4
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus ~ John 17:23
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed ~ John 17:26
He is the exact representation of my being ~ Hebrews 1:3
He came to demonstrate that I am for you, not against you ~ Romans 8:31
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
Jesus died so that you and I could be reconciled ~ 2 Corinthians 5:18-19
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you ~ 1 John 4:10
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love ~ Romans 8:31-32
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me ~ 1 John 2:23
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again ~ Romans 8:38-39
Come home and I'll throw the biggest party heaven has ever seen ~ Luke 15:7
I have always been Father, and will always be Father ~ Ephesians 3:14-15
My question is ~ Will you be my child? ~ John 1:12-13
I am waiting for you ~ Luke 15:11-32
Love, Your Dad, Almighty God
Sunday, September 16, 2007
The Marvel of His Holy Splendor
Looking through the clouds,
searching for an image of our Lord.
Lost in His Mighty arms,
as He embrace me in His Holy presence.
Loving Him and His glorious splendor.
Showering me with the love that no one can ever compare.
Showing us to the way of life,
where we may one day come before His Holy presence.
I fall short of what I am,I truly know thee,
yet my Beloved Lord still loves me dearly here and in eternity.
Showing us the way to our Heavenly Father,
Coming down upon me with Your Holy Spirit,
Cleanses me of all my sins and inequities.
Once thought of my privacy was my most priced possession.
I have now surrender everything I have to You O Lord.
Bless us Jesus our Most beautiful Saviour,
that You will bless our little mustardseed to flourish into Your most beautiful garden of all.
We come before to worship Your Holiness with songs and prayer.
To love You my Lord Jesus, Our Heavenly Father in Heaven and our Beloved Holy spirit.
Way high above the sky where the gates of Heaven dwells.
With all the saints and angels worshiping and praising You in Heaven.
Lord Jesus,I pray You will keep our names in Your Lamb's Book of Life,
that we will always be by Your side forever and ever.I pray to the Holy Spirit and our Heavenly Father, in Your most Glorious and Beloved Son, Jesus. Our Lord, our Saviour and our eternal King. Amen .
Love
Suzanne
searching for an image of our Lord.
Lost in His Mighty arms,
as He embrace me in His Holy presence.
Loving Him and His glorious splendor.
Showering me with the love that no one can ever compare.
Showing us to the way of life,
where we may one day come before His Holy presence.
I fall short of what I am,I truly know thee,
yet my Beloved Lord still loves me dearly here and in eternity.
Showing us the way to our Heavenly Father,
Coming down upon me with Your Holy Spirit,
Cleanses me of all my sins and inequities.
Once thought of my privacy was my most priced possession.
I have now surrender everything I have to You O Lord.
Bless us Jesus our Most beautiful Saviour,
that You will bless our little mustardseed to flourish into Your most beautiful garden of all.
We come before to worship Your Holiness with songs and prayer.
To love You my Lord Jesus, Our Heavenly Father in Heaven and our Beloved Holy spirit.
Way high above the sky where the gates of Heaven dwells.
With all the saints and angels worshiping and praising You in Heaven.
Lord Jesus,I pray You will keep our names in Your Lamb's Book of Life,
that we will always be by Your side forever and ever.I pray to the Holy Spirit and our Heavenly Father, in Your most Glorious and Beloved Son, Jesus. Our Lord, our Saviour and our eternal King. Amen .
Love
Suzanne
Monday, September 10, 2007
Doing What God Is Thinking
Hi friends,
it wasnt long ago that i learnt that doing good things might not be the will of god simply because there is too many good things to be done! the story below tells us how we should be seeking to do god's will.
recently, many people have been sharing with me how they are all touched by corrinne may's song.
mel tan cried in office and she was very embarrassed because she heard "twinkling eyes of jesus" and she always felt jesus had a twinkle in his eyes.
and my friend Adel, who is coming with us for WYD and for inner healing tonight, teared when she was on the train listening to love song for #1.
and this is what i took from corrinne's blog.
Corrinne May: I sang 'Love Song for #1' and'Five Loaves
and Two Fishes' and felt very moved
to see some people crying during
the songs.
When I returned to my seat after singing,
the silver-haired lady sitting beside me,
told me that while I had been
singing 'Five Loaves and Two Fishes',
God had spoken 'piercingly' to her and
she felt comforted that he had
answered her prayers in some fashion.
Then she blessed me, put her hand
on my forehead, drew a cross and prayed
for me, asking God to bless my voice
and my health (I was astounded that
in her prayer, she said the same exact thing
that I'd been praying for, ie. for the Lord
to help my voice stay healthy and strong,
and for the Lord to preserve my health,
that I might sing powerfully for Him)
I could not help but cry.
It was a powerful moment for the both of us.
I was so moved that He had used me to bless
her, and in turn, used her to bless me.
I think corrinne may really seeks the will of god and i believe when you do so, you will bless so many people.
Praise god.
"… For, "Who can know what the Lord is thinking? Who can give him counsel?" But we can understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ." (1 Corinthians 2:16 NLT)
In a land not so far away and a time not too distant, lived a mighty, yet gentle Master of the Manor. There was a servant who worked for the Master, and this servant was a man of excellent efficiency, incorruptible integrity, and joyful heart.
The Master was pleased with his servant, but he also noticed the servant would do things that were well-intentioned, yet not in line with the Master's wishes.
One day the Master was in his library, and he couldn't find one of his favorite books. Looking closely, the Master realized that his entire library had been re-arranged.
"Good servant," called the Master. "Why have you re-arranged the library?"
"Master," the servant replied, "I wanted to provide you with the most efficient catalog system available."
"But I did not ask you to re-arrange the library," the Master lovingly said. "However, I did ask you to prepare the banquet hall for the guests we will receive tonight, and I see that hasn't been done."
"Yes, Master," said the servant. "But I don't see anyone coming up the road, so I assumed the guest weren't actually coming tonight. And you're library is now cross-referenced and categorized according to Humboldt's hierarchy of human thought."
"So I must think like a human in order to find my books?" said the Master.
"Well, yes," said the servant.
"But what if I want you to do things according to my thoughts?" said the Master, a tone of command coming into his voice. "And what if I want you to begin to think like me, instead of the other way around?
Just then, the doorbell rang. The guests had arrived.
—
You were created to serve God, and one way to serve God is by serving others, offering ministry to others. But it's important that you serve God according to his thoughts and his plans, not your own independent thoughts and plans.
Don't misunderstand: This does not suggest permission to be passive in your service to God. Instead, it's a call to intentionally seek the will of God in our service to him. Rather than making assumptions about where to serve God, you can constantly and consistently talk to him about where he wants you to serve. And in this way, you will develop a mind like Christ's.
We serve at the will of God and not on our fantasies about what Christian service looks like. The service required of me may look very different from the service required of you, because God has shaped us each uniquely and with our own unique purpose in mind. God speaks to you through your shape, your circumstances, your experiences, your friends, and your family.
And he speaks through the Holy Spirit, telling you to prepare for the guests you cannot yet see, instead of rearranging the library that is already organized according to God's design.
So what does this mean to me? If God is in constant conversation with you, are you carefully listening?
· Ask God to help you hear his voice and to tell you how he wants you to serve.
· Ask God to give you discernment so your service always lines up with your will, and not your own human agenda or someone else’s agenda.
· Ask God to fully develop the mind of Christ in you.
it wasnt long ago that i learnt that doing good things might not be the will of god simply because there is too many good things to be done! the story below tells us how we should be seeking to do god's will.
recently, many people have been sharing with me how they are all touched by corrinne may's song.
mel tan cried in office and she was very embarrassed because she heard "twinkling eyes of jesus" and she always felt jesus had a twinkle in his eyes.
and my friend Adel, who is coming with us for WYD and for inner healing tonight, teared when she was on the train listening to love song for #1.
and this is what i took from corrinne's blog.
Corrinne May: I sang 'Love Song for #1' and'Five Loaves
and Two Fishes' and felt very moved
to see some people crying during
the songs.
When I returned to my seat after singing,
the silver-haired lady sitting beside me,
told me that while I had been
singing 'Five Loaves and Two Fishes',
God had spoken 'piercingly' to her and
she felt comforted that he had
answered her prayers in some fashion.
Then she blessed me, put her hand
on my forehead, drew a cross and prayed
for me, asking God to bless my voice
and my health (I was astounded that
in her prayer, she said the same exact thing
that I'd been praying for, ie. for the Lord
to help my voice stay healthy and strong,
and for the Lord to preserve my health,
that I might sing powerfully for Him)
I could not help but cry.
It was a powerful moment for the both of us.
I was so moved that He had used me to bless
her, and in turn, used her to bless me.
I think corrinne may really seeks the will of god and i believe when you do so, you will bless so many people.
Praise god.
"… For, "Who can know what the Lord is thinking? Who can give him counsel?" But we can understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ." (1 Corinthians 2:16 NLT)
In a land not so far away and a time not too distant, lived a mighty, yet gentle Master of the Manor. There was a servant who worked for the Master, and this servant was a man of excellent efficiency, incorruptible integrity, and joyful heart.
The Master was pleased with his servant, but he also noticed the servant would do things that were well-intentioned, yet not in line with the Master's wishes.
One day the Master was in his library, and he couldn't find one of his favorite books. Looking closely, the Master realized that his entire library had been re-arranged.
"Good servant," called the Master. "Why have you re-arranged the library?"
"Master," the servant replied, "I wanted to provide you with the most efficient catalog system available."
"But I did not ask you to re-arrange the library," the Master lovingly said. "However, I did ask you to prepare the banquet hall for the guests we will receive tonight, and I see that hasn't been done."
"Yes, Master," said the servant. "But I don't see anyone coming up the road, so I assumed the guest weren't actually coming tonight. And you're library is now cross-referenced and categorized according to Humboldt's hierarchy of human thought."
"So I must think like a human in order to find my books?" said the Master.
"Well, yes," said the servant.
"But what if I want you to do things according to my thoughts?" said the Master, a tone of command coming into his voice. "And what if I want you to begin to think like me, instead of the other way around?
Just then, the doorbell rang. The guests had arrived.
—
You were created to serve God, and one way to serve God is by serving others, offering ministry to others. But it's important that you serve God according to his thoughts and his plans, not your own independent thoughts and plans.
Don't misunderstand: This does not suggest permission to be passive in your service to God. Instead, it's a call to intentionally seek the will of God in our service to him. Rather than making assumptions about where to serve God, you can constantly and consistently talk to him about where he wants you to serve. And in this way, you will develop a mind like Christ's.
We serve at the will of God and not on our fantasies about what Christian service looks like. The service required of me may look very different from the service required of you, because God has shaped us each uniquely and with our own unique purpose in mind. God speaks to you through your shape, your circumstances, your experiences, your friends, and your family.
And he speaks through the Holy Spirit, telling you to prepare for the guests you cannot yet see, instead of rearranging the library that is already organized according to God's design.
So what does this mean to me? If God is in constant conversation with you, are you carefully listening?
· Ask God to help you hear his voice and to tell you how he wants you to serve.
· Ask God to give you discernment so your service always lines up with your will, and not your own human agenda or someone else’s agenda.
· Ask God to fully develop the mind of Christ in you.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
The clock is ticking....
Jesus,i come before you my Beloved Lord and the King of Kings, that your humble servant will write down what is intended for Your good works and to do Your will only. In Your most Holy and Precious name, i pray.Amen.
For the recent weeks, my spirit was feeling really low。I guessed I was exhausted with my work and I felt that my work is eating what's inside of me all the time. I was mentally and emotionally exhausted. I have decided to roam around plaza singapura one day to perhaps take my mind off my tiredness.I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to walk into a christian bookshop next to watson at basement one.I came upon this book called the A Divine Revelation of Hell by Mary K Baxter recommended by the shopkeeper.This book really changed my heart around totally. I am more affirmed than evermore that we should step forward and to sow seeds every single moment at this very hour. The final hour is ticking as we speak...
The book content talked about how Jesus brought this lady by the name of Mary k. Baxter into the depths of the underworld to witness the events of what was happening down below. To urge her to write down what she witnessed.To put down in words so as to convert the hearts of sinners,to repent and follow to Him. To save souls.I was terrified and yet intrigued to read even further as each time I flip through the pages. Over this time I was lukewarm over my faith. It has seriously affirmed me and with great regret that I have sinned with my own ignorance.I pray that our Lord will forgive us of all our sins and pray that we will do His will wholeheartedly.
It talked about how the world beneath was like. I'm a bit scared just to think about it. It mentioned that there were pits of fire that tormented each souls. Fire would engulfed them forever in eternity. How each of them were burned and was in excruciating pain beyond our beliefs.Cries of horror,sorrows and despair filled the entire world below. It goes on mentioning, how different forms of tortures are being used beyond our wildest dreams! I am afraid to reveal more of what I read. It's really horrifying!（If you guys wish to know more， than I will continue， if not。。。I rather let you read it for yourself。）
In the final chapters, it talked about how the new kingdom of God looks like. How there is endless love, peace, and joy in Heavens. With endless jewels and gems engraved into each of our houses.And how beautiful and magnificent that our new kingdom will be!I pray that more and more souls will be saved by God grace and pray for all of us that our names will be written in the Lamb's Book of Life.
On the good side,it awaken my heart totally and made me realise I should give my life to Him at that very moment! That I should now start doing what He has intended for me and not to procrastinate any longer. As the final hours is indeed here.However those who wish to get hold of the book， let me know as I would be glad to lend it to you。I can't wait to get hold more books written by her. The next book will be A divine revelation of Heaven. can't wait!
Loving our Beloved God in eternity ever and ever after，
Suzanne
For the recent weeks, my spirit was feeling really low。I guessed I was exhausted with my work and I felt that my work is eating what's inside of me all the time. I was mentally and emotionally exhausted. I have decided to roam around plaza singapura one day to perhaps take my mind off my tiredness.I felt the Holy Spirit prompting me to walk into a christian bookshop next to watson at basement one.I came upon this book called the A Divine Revelation of Hell by Mary K Baxter recommended by the shopkeeper.This book really changed my heart around totally. I am more affirmed than evermore that we should step forward and to sow seeds every single moment at this very hour. The final hour is ticking as we speak...
The book content talked about how Jesus brought this lady by the name of Mary k. Baxter into the depths of the underworld to witness the events of what was happening down below. To urge her to write down what she witnessed.To put down in words so as to convert the hearts of sinners,to repent and follow to Him. To save souls.I was terrified and yet intrigued to read even further as each time I flip through the pages. Over this time I was lukewarm over my faith. It has seriously affirmed me and with great regret that I have sinned with my own ignorance.I pray that our Lord will forgive us of all our sins and pray that we will do His will wholeheartedly.
It talked about how the world beneath was like. I'm a bit scared just to think about it. It mentioned that there were pits of fire that tormented each souls. Fire would engulfed them forever in eternity. How each of them were burned and was in excruciating pain beyond our beliefs.Cries of horror,sorrows and despair filled the entire world below. It goes on mentioning, how different forms of tortures are being used beyond our wildest dreams! I am afraid to reveal more of what I read. It's really horrifying!（If you guys wish to know more， than I will continue， if not。。。I rather let you read it for yourself。）
In the final chapters, it talked about how the new kingdom of God looks like. How there is endless love, peace, and joy in Heavens. With endless jewels and gems engraved into each of our houses.And how beautiful and magnificent that our new kingdom will be!I pray that more and more souls will be saved by God grace and pray for all of us that our names will be written in the Lamb's Book of Life.
On the good side,it awaken my heart totally and made me realise I should give my life to Him at that very moment! That I should now start doing what He has intended for me and not to procrastinate any longer. As the final hours is indeed here.However those who wish to get hold of the book， let me know as I would be glad to lend it to you。I can't wait to get hold more books written by her. The next book will be A divine revelation of Heaven. can't wait!
Loving our Beloved God in eternity ever and ever after，
Suzanne
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
God is worthy of our Praises - even in all nothingness
After reading the different posts, my very first reaction was "Praise God" - and then close the browser.
Yes, there is nothing exciting to post. But I logged in and clicked "New post" anyhow, because God should be praise even in all nothingness.
I guess its good training for myself to say "Thank you God" and "Praise you Lord" even when life is smooth or uninspiring altogether. And to share with each of you who belong to the community - and are interested.
So yes, its been a busy 2 weeks but very peaceful one as well. You run around the whole day with back to back meetings and piles of work awaiting your completion, you feel like you're up to your neck but deep within, its nothing but peace and security.
I think its a vicious cycle. You seek God for peace and He gives you, but the evil one is also ready at hand to keep you busy AND away from God. Get caught up in it, and you're out of the picture. Get caught up in it, and its easy to say God does not exist, God is not near, I do not know God, I have no relationship with God. But i realised, if i do not put in effort and i do not give time to God, how can i expect God to enter?
So Yes, Thank God for giving me this peace amongst all the busyness. Thank you for giving me the grace to seek you. And thank you, for my brothers and sisters who have been walking with me.
Praise God, Rachelle
Yes, there is nothing exciting to post. But I logged in and clicked "New post" anyhow, because God should be praise even in all nothingness.
I guess its good training for myself to say "Thank you God" and "Praise you Lord" even when life is smooth or uninspiring altogether. And to share with each of you who belong to the community - and are interested.
So yes, its been a busy 2 weeks but very peaceful one as well. You run around the whole day with back to back meetings and piles of work awaiting your completion, you feel like you're up to your neck but deep within, its nothing but peace and security.
I think its a vicious cycle. You seek God for peace and He gives you, but the evil one is also ready at hand to keep you busy AND away from God. Get caught up in it, and you're out of the picture. Get caught up in it, and its easy to say God does not exist, God is not near, I do not know God, I have no relationship with God. But i realised, if i do not put in effort and i do not give time to God, how can i expect God to enter?
So Yes, Thank God for giving me this peace amongst all the busyness. Thank you for giving me the grace to seek you. And thank you, for my brothers and sisters who have been walking with me.
Praise God, Rachelle
Friday, June 8, 2007
A reason to live
I am so grateful for God, that i have hope in life, that i have a reason to live for.
More importantly, that reason and that hope stems from the fact that He first loved me unconditionally so that i can be who i am.
Not everyone is as fortunate as us. Many have lost hope in life. They need Christ.
Please pray ferverntly for my friend, Jiwei.
He might join us in church this sunday, if you pray hard enough.
raymond
More importantly, that reason and that hope stems from the fact that He first loved me unconditionally so that i can be who i am.
Not everyone is as fortunate as us. Many have lost hope in life. They need Christ.
Please pray ferverntly for my friend, Jiwei.
He might join us in church this sunday, if you pray hard enough.
raymond
Evangalisation Full Throttle!
Praise the Lord!
I remember I was very touched when my secondary school friend’s letter got read out by Archbishop Gregory Yong during his confirmation, that now that he is confirmed, he wants to bring at least one person to Christ. And I want to praise god for using me as an instrument. I think God has used me to bring around 3 people to the catholic church! Today, my godma called me. She is one who is always ready to share the faith and I respect her. She told me that one of my aunt (my mom’s family only got 3 gals. Mom, godmom and that aunt!) is going to start RCIA tomolo at Holy trinity and that I have to pray she sticks to it cause she has young children at home and all and how twice a week can be quite difficult. And if my aunt who is a Buddhist convert, then there is a high chance my mom will be interested to find out more too right? So praise the lord seriously.
May we all take our role as bringers of good news seriously.
Woe to us if we do not preach the gospel!
Another sharing on what Iwan sent to Colin who then forwarded me.
It was about his visit to the archibishop and some poignant points the archie brought out strucked me.
" Theres a difference to be entertained and Be Transformed"
theres a difference of enjoying a meal and sharing the meal with others
" the holy spirit is very important, we have to surrender ourselves to the spirit, invite the spirit to talk to us and to teach us. "
The Apostles know Christ for 3 years. What happen at cruxification? They were only transformed after Pentecost when they were given the holy spirit.
* fellowship in a community is very important*
we can have big ideas. is good. whatever it is . START WITH YOURSELF *
3 things that he kept mentioning are:
1) Life in The Spirit Seminar (LISS) for youths (yay msc going)
2) Formation (yay msc doing!!!)
3) Start from working from yourself(many in community are doing so!!)
WE ARE headed for SUCCESS in Christ!
Love,
Raymond
I remember I was very touched when my secondary school friend’s letter got read out by Archbishop Gregory Yong during his confirmation, that now that he is confirmed, he wants to bring at least one person to Christ. And I want to praise god for using me as an instrument. I think God has used me to bring around 3 people to the catholic church! Today, my godma called me. She is one who is always ready to share the faith and I respect her. She told me that one of my aunt (my mom’s family only got 3 gals. Mom, godmom and that aunt!) is going to start RCIA tomolo at Holy trinity and that I have to pray she sticks to it cause she has young children at home and all and how twice a week can be quite difficult. And if my aunt who is a Buddhist convert, then there is a high chance my mom will be interested to find out more too right? So praise the lord seriously.
May we all take our role as bringers of good news seriously.
Woe to us if we do not preach the gospel!
Another sharing on what Iwan sent to Colin who then forwarded me.
It was about his visit to the archibishop and some poignant points the archie brought out strucked me.
" Theres a difference to be entertained and Be Transformed"
theres a difference of enjoying a meal and sharing the meal with others
" the holy spirit is very important, we have to surrender ourselves to the spirit, invite the spirit to talk to us and to teach us. "
The Apostles know Christ for 3 years. What happen at cruxification? They were only transformed after Pentecost when they were given the holy spirit.
* fellowship in a community is very important*
we can have big ideas. is good. whatever it is . START WITH YOURSELF *
3 things that he kept mentioning are:
1) Life in The Spirit Seminar (LISS) for youths (yay msc going)
2) Formation (yay msc doing!!!)
3) Start from working from yourself(many in community are doing so!!)
WE ARE headed for SUCCESS in Christ!
Love,
Raymond
Monday, June 4, 2007
I was joyful...
We all know that joy is different from happiness.
But have we experienced joy?
Maybe we have, but we didnt realise.
this morning was the first time i woke up for morning mass since 4 months ago.
Ihave attempted to attend morning mass for at least 20 times, but i failed.
Therefore, I am confident to say that it is the Lord who gave me the strength to do so.
Mel Geow didnt wake up, oops. But Jean did! And Jean and I met Marie while having breakfast and so marie is joining us, yay!
Anyway, as i was drving to church, i felt so JOYFUL. its definately not happiness cause no young person will be happy to wake up at 6am.
I was joyful cause i woke up for the lord.
I was joyful cause the first thing i did in the morning was to worship god.
I was joyful cause i live for the lord.
Anyway this week's reading is on TOBIT, and so i am now attempting to read tobit by this week.
In today's gospel, Jesus said," render to caesar what belongs to caesar and to god what belongs to god"
this was in reply to what the people asked jesus, are we supposed to pay tax to caesar. they thought they could trap jesus.
they were astonished at jesus' reply cause they could find not fault in what he said. that's because jesus is justice personified.
Tobit Chapter 3: O lord, your ways are just.
Father Ho explained what " render to caesar what belongs to caesar and to god what belongs to god" means. he said he it means we should be a good citizen, but also, we should be a good disciple. really makes alot of sense to me.
have a good day friends!
raymond raphael.
But have we experienced joy?
Maybe we have, but we didnt realise.
this morning was the first time i woke up for morning mass since 4 months ago.
Ihave attempted to attend morning mass for at least 20 times, but i failed.
Therefore, I am confident to say that it is the Lord who gave me the strength to do so.
Mel Geow didnt wake up, oops. But Jean did! And Jean and I met Marie while having breakfast and so marie is joining us, yay!
Anyway, as i was drving to church, i felt so JOYFUL. its definately not happiness cause no young person will be happy to wake up at 6am.
I was joyful cause i woke up for the lord.
I was joyful cause the first thing i did in the morning was to worship god.
I was joyful cause i live for the lord.
Anyway this week's reading is on TOBIT, and so i am now attempting to read tobit by this week.
In today's gospel, Jesus said," render to caesar what belongs to caesar and to god what belongs to god"
this was in reply to what the people asked jesus, are we supposed to pay tax to caesar. they thought they could trap jesus.
they were astonished at jesus' reply cause they could find not fault in what he said. that's because jesus is justice personified.
Tobit Chapter 3: O lord, your ways are just.
Father Ho explained what " render to caesar what belongs to caesar and to god what belongs to god" means. he said he it means we should be a good citizen, but also, we should be a good disciple. really makes alot of sense to me.
have a good day friends!
raymond raphael.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Hey i've just read a couple of good books and watched a fantastic movie..and would love to encourage anyone who has the time, to take on my offer. I dont intend to make this blog like wad mine used to be.:) But seeing how its the holidays, and rather than be buried in sleep or boredom, or having to find some temporary job that neither pays well nor satisfies...i would suggest taking up some reading, instead.
To begin with, there's Becoming Human, first introduced to me by Janice. I think its a fantastic book that speaks right to the heart, with language simple enough to digest and experiences that demands the reader's surrender to its powerful messages of love and forgiveness. I read this twice- once in a hurry, and a 2nd time to further devour its rich spiritual contents. It was uplifting simply reading its messages and because its a slow removal of layers (psychological barriers that hinder us from loving), i think it reels you into truths about life and ultimately, how to become human.
Next, would be Prayer and Common Sense by (if i remember correctly!) Henry J.M Nouwen. I've read this so long ago i think i can only remember the marvellous reading experiences. One important analogy i took back with me was when the author likened the importance of growing spiritually to that of a rock. You can be at the top rolling down, or at the bottom rolling up - the point he was trying to make, was that most importantly, is a person growing in the faith? Of course im not doing justice to his masterful work, so i'll just recommend that you take this very short reading to be your spiritual companion for the next couple of days.
And 3rdly,a movie! Good Will Hunting! Ok for anyone who gets seriously irked by vulgarities..well this aint really the show to recommend. But behind the caustic dialogue, is one simple tale of redemption. There are some very poignant exchanges of human relationships thats being revealed, and how one comes to terms with his past. I think for any average person, who has so much to be grateful for, this is a show that might reignite a sense of wonder of his/her life. Its tuesdays with morrie with more heart to heart dialogue, that invokes more response from the spectator and that gives one a spiritual uplift into being all he can be.
Enjoy!
Marcus
p.s i tried putting pictures..but took too long.
To begin with, there's Becoming Human, first introduced to me by Janice. I think its a fantastic book that speaks right to the heart, with language simple enough to digest and experiences that demands the reader's surrender to its powerful messages of love and forgiveness. I read this twice- once in a hurry, and a 2nd time to further devour its rich spiritual contents. It was uplifting simply reading its messages and because its a slow removal of layers (psychological barriers that hinder us from loving), i think it reels you into truths about life and ultimately, how to become human.
Next, would be Prayer and Common Sense by (if i remember correctly!) Henry J.M Nouwen. I've read this so long ago i think i can only remember the marvellous reading experiences. One important analogy i took back with me was when the author likened the importance of growing spiritually to that of a rock. You can be at the top rolling down, or at the bottom rolling up - the point he was trying to make, was that most importantly, is a person growing in the faith? Of course im not doing justice to his masterful work, so i'll just recommend that you take this very short reading to be your spiritual companion for the next couple of days.
And 3rdly,a movie! Good Will Hunting! Ok for anyone who gets seriously irked by vulgarities..well this aint really the show to recommend. But behind the caustic dialogue, is one simple tale of redemption. There are some very poignant exchanges of human relationships thats being revealed, and how one comes to terms with his past. I think for any average person, who has so much to be grateful for, this is a show that might reignite a sense of wonder of his/her life. Its tuesdays with morrie with more heart to heart dialogue, that invokes more response from the spectator and that gives one a spiritual uplift into being all he can be.
Enjoy!
Marcus
p.s i tried putting pictures..but took too long.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Evangelical Leader Returns To Catholicism
Praise the Lord!
By Alan Cooperman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, May 12, 2007; Page B09
The PRESIDENT of the Evangelical Theological Society, an association of 4,300
Protestant theologians, resigned this month because he has joined the Roman
Catholic Church. The May 5 announcement by Francis J. Beckwith, a tenured
associate professor at Baptist-affiliated Baylor University in Waco, Tex.,
has left colleagues gasping for breath and commentators grasping for
analogies.
One blogger likened it to Hulk Hogan's defection from the World Wrestling
Federation to the rival World Championship Wrestling league."This is a sad
day for all true sons and daughters of the Protestant Reformation, for all
who lived and died for its truths," Douglas Groothuis, a professor at the
evangelical Denver Seminary, said in a posting on Beckwith's own blog, adding
sternly: " . . . you are embracing serious theological error."
Beckwith, 46, said in a telephone interview that he had expected some
repercussions in academic circles but was stunned by the public response. He
said strangers have called him at home to berate him, and that his Internet
server was overwhelmed by 2,000 e-mails a day to his personal Web site, which
in the past seldom generated more than 90 a day.
"It's beyond anything I've ever experienced," he said. Beckwith is not the
first, or even the most prominent, evangelical to switch to Catholicism in
recent years. Others include Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.), theologian Scott
Hahn and the Rev. Richard John Neuhaus, editor of the journal First Things.
On the other side of the equation, the Catholic Church has been losing droves
of ordinary worshipers to the Pentecostal form of evangelicalism,
particularly in Latin America . Beckwith said his decision reflects how
dramatically the divisions between evangelicals and Catholics have narrowed
in recent decades, as they have stood shoulder to shoulder on issues such as
abortion, same-sex marriage and school vouchers.
The stormy reaction, however, is a reminder of the gaps that remain,
particularly on such theological questions as whether to baptize infants and
how human beings gain "justification," or righteousness in the eyes of God.
Beckwith said he was raised as a Catholic in Las Vegas and was "born again"
as an evangelical during his teens, at the height of the
countercultural "Jesus movement" in the 1970s. He earned a master's degree
and a doctorate in philosophy from Fordham University , a Jesuit institution,
but then taught at Protestant schools, including Trinity International
University and Baylor.
He said that for many years he agreed with the criticisms of the Catholic
Church made by Martin Luther and other leaders of the 16th-century
Reformation, who emphasized the authority of the Bible alone -- rather than
the pronouncements of church leaders -- and who argued that justification
resulted from the grace of God, not from good deeds.
But his thinking began to change, he said, as he read more deeply into
Catholic theology, including works by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope
Benedict XVI. After studying Ratzinger's book "Truth and Tolerance" last
year, he said, he called a prominent evangelical philosopher, read him a
passage about whether theology is really knowledge, and asked him to guess
the author.
"He reeled off the names of a bunch of evangelical theologians," Beckwith
recalled. "I said, 'No, it's Ratzinger!' And he said, 'So he's one of us!' "
Beckwith said he was also deeply affected by a joint declaration in 1999 by
the Lutheran World Federation and the Catholic Church on the doctrine of
justification, which he said went a long way toward eliminating this
historical source of division.
"I do agree with Protestants that there is no good I can do, no work I can
perform, that would justify me," Beckwith said. "But there are many places in
scripture that say there's an obligation Christians have to take on the
character of Christ, and that contributes to their justification. The
Catholic solution is: I am required to take on the character of Christ, but
it is not my power that does it, but God's grace."
Chuckling gently, Beckwith said that in discussions with fellow theologians
over the past year, he suddenly found himself making "Catholic-type
arguments" about natural law and truth, arguing that everything found in the
Bible is true, but not everything that is true is found in the Bible.
"At the end of the day, the reason for the Reformation was the debate over
justification. If that is no longer an issue, I have to be Catholic,"
Beckwith said. "It seems to me that if there is not a very strong reason to
be Protestant, then the default position should be to belong to the historic
church."
On his blog last week, he said he wrestled with whether to inform the
Evangelical Theological Society immediately of his intention to return to
Catholicism, or to wait until the end of his term in November. He said he and
his wife prayed for guidance and received an answer when a 16-year-old nephew
asked him to take part in his Catholic confirmation ceremony tomorrow. "I
could not do that unless I was in full communion with the church," Beckwith
said.
Because Baylor does not require its faculty to sign any statement of beliefs,
a university spokeswoman said, Beckwith's change of heart will not affect his
teaching post. And because he was baptized and confirmed as a Catholic in his
youth, he did not have to undergo conversion -- he simply had to go to
confession and receive Holy Communion. He did so in a quiet ceremony April 29
at a small church in Bellmead , Tex.
By Alan Cooperman
Washington Post Staff Writer
Saturday, May 12, 2007; Page B09
The PRESIDENT of the Evangelical Theological Society, an association of 4,300
Protestant theologians, resigned this month because he has joined the Roman
Catholic Church. The May 5 announcement by Francis J. Beckwith, a tenured
associate professor at Baptist-affiliated Baylor University in Waco, Tex.,
has left colleagues gasping for breath and commentators grasping for
analogies.
One blogger likened it to Hulk Hogan's defection from the World Wrestling
Federation to the rival World Championship Wrestling league."This is a sad
day for all true sons and daughters of the Protestant Reformation, for all
who lived and died for its truths," Douglas Groothuis, a professor at the
evangelical Denver Seminary, said in a posting on Beckwith's own blog, adding
sternly: " . . . you are embracing serious theological error."
Beckwith, 46, said in a telephone interview that he had expected some
repercussions in academic circles but was stunned by the public response. He
said strangers have called him at home to berate him, and that his Internet
server was overwhelmed by 2,000 e-mails a day to his personal Web site, which
in the past seldom generated more than 90 a day.
"It's beyond anything I've ever experienced," he said. Beckwith is not the
first, or even the most prominent, evangelical to switch to Catholicism in
recent years. Others include Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.), theologian Scott
Hahn and the Rev. Richard John Neuhaus, editor of the journal First Things.
On the other side of the equation, the Catholic Church has been losing droves
of ordinary worshipers to the Pentecostal form of evangelicalism,
particularly in Latin America . Beckwith said his decision reflects how
dramatically the divisions between evangelicals and Catholics have narrowed
in recent decades, as they have stood shoulder to shoulder on issues such as
abortion, same-sex marriage and school vouchers.
The stormy reaction, however, is a reminder of the gaps that remain,
particularly on such theological questions as whether to baptize infants and
how human beings gain "justification," or righteousness in the eyes of God.
Beckwith said he was raised as a Catholic in Las Vegas and was "born again"
as an evangelical during his teens, at the height of the
countercultural "Jesus movement" in the 1970s. He earned a master's degree
and a doctorate in philosophy from Fordham University , a Jesuit institution,
but then taught at Protestant schools, including Trinity International
University and Baylor.
He said that for many years he agreed with the criticisms of the Catholic
Church made by Martin Luther and other leaders of the 16th-century
Reformation, who emphasized the authority of the Bible alone -- rather than
the pronouncements of church leaders -- and who argued that justification
resulted from the grace of God, not from good deeds.
But his thinking began to change, he said, as he read more deeply into
Catholic theology, including works by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, now Pope
Benedict XVI. After studying Ratzinger's book "Truth and Tolerance" last
year, he said, he called a prominent evangelical philosopher, read him a
passage about whether theology is really knowledge, and asked him to guess
the author.
"He reeled off the names of a bunch of evangelical theologians," Beckwith
recalled. "I said, 'No, it's Ratzinger!' And he said, 'So he's one of us!' "
Beckwith said he was also deeply affected by a joint declaration in 1999 by
the Lutheran World Federation and the Catholic Church on the doctrine of
justification, which he said went a long way toward eliminating this
historical source of division.
"I do agree with Protestants that there is no good I can do, no work I can
perform, that would justify me," Beckwith said. "But there are many places in
scripture that say there's an obligation Christians have to take on the
character of Christ, and that contributes to their justification. The
Catholic solution is: I am required to take on the character of Christ, but
it is not my power that does it, but God's grace."
Chuckling gently, Beckwith said that in discussions with fellow theologians
over the past year, he suddenly found himself making "Catholic-type
arguments" about natural law and truth, arguing that everything found in the
Bible is true, but not everything that is true is found in the Bible.
"At the end of the day, the reason for the Reformation was the debate over
justification. If that is no longer an issue, I have to be Catholic,"
Beckwith said. "It seems to me that if there is not a very strong reason to
be Protestant, then the default position should be to belong to the historic
church."
On his blog last week, he said he wrestled with whether to inform the
Evangelical Theological Society immediately of his intention to return to
Catholicism, or to wait until the end of his term in November. He said he and
his wife prayed for guidance and received an answer when a 16-year-old nephew
asked him to take part in his Catholic confirmation ceremony tomorrow. "I
could not do that unless I was in full communion with the church," Beckwith
said.
Because Baylor does not require its faculty to sign any statement of beliefs,
a university spokeswoman said, Beckwith's change of heart will not affect his
teaching post. And because he was baptized and confirmed as a Catholic in his
youth, he did not have to undergo conversion -- he simply had to go to
confession and receive Holy Communion. He did so in a quiet ceremony April 29
at a small church in Bellmead , Tex.
Friday, May 25, 2007
God your plans ARE better than mine
Its been a crazy week. Really crazy... but a peaceful one as well.
Somehow, I was able to face situations more calmly. Its true, prayer works wonders - and keeps you in check.
There has been something bothering me for awhile now. And i havent been able to resolve it. Each day, I wake up and say "God, your plans are better than mine" and "Jesus, I trust in you" and my day passes quickly in peace.
I know i'm incoherent now, simply becos i refuse to reveal too much over a blog but ask me and I will share with you what's bothering me.
Bottom line is, I was at ador on Tues and i felt really tired from work, frustrated that i can't find time to think about things or resolve my issues.. my emotions were all mixed and steering me from my focus on God. And then i thought of the now famous line "God, your plans are better than mine - help me to trust in you" and suddenly its like WOW... i really mean WOW! Why do i worry so so much when all i REALLY have to do is to trust? and let Him take control? His plans are WAYYY better than mine, really!
so its like revelations for me, really.
life may still be difficult at times, you might still be emotionally affected but if we can only have that small trust, the greater Glory and love of God will be revealed to us.
Say it friends "God, your plans are better than mine. I trust in you"
R.
Somehow, I was able to face situations more calmly. Its true, prayer works wonders - and keeps you in check.
There has been something bothering me for awhile now. And i havent been able to resolve it. Each day, I wake up and say "God, your plans are better than mine" and "Jesus, I trust in you" and my day passes quickly in peace.
I know i'm incoherent now, simply becos i refuse to reveal too much over a blog but ask me and I will share with you what's bothering me.
Bottom line is, I was at ador on Tues and i felt really tired from work, frustrated that i can't find time to think about things or resolve my issues.. my emotions were all mixed and steering me from my focus on God. And then i thought of the now famous line "God, your plans are better than mine - help me to trust in you" and suddenly its like WOW... i really mean WOW! Why do i worry so so much when all i REALLY have to do is to trust? and let Him take control? His plans are WAYYY better than mine, really!
so its like revelations for me, really.
life may still be difficult at times, you might still be emotionally affected but if we can only have that small trust, the greater Glory and love of God will be revealed to us.
Say it friends "God, your plans are better than mine. I trust in you"
R.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
Your plans are better than mine
God’s plans are better than mine.
This morning I woke up and the first thing I did was to read messages. And there was one from the people at St. Anthony’s. They said that they did not find a suitable role for me. (there are only 6 roles) First thing I said was Thank you Jesus, your plans are better than mine. I don’t think I have faced rejection so well before, but I think its because I have learnt to discern and trust more.
You see? The only reason why I want to be in the play is cause its written by John Paul. However, I can already see a clash with many other commitments and I prayed before the audition to Jesus and also to John Paul to tell them to help me decide if I should be in the play. I told them to decide for me through the director.
God decided for me, how can I not be happier?
Praise the Lord.
Raymond
This morning I woke up and the first thing I did was to read messages. And there was one from the people at St. Anthony’s. They said that they did not find a suitable role for me. (there are only 6 roles) First thing I said was Thank you Jesus, your plans are better than mine. I don’t think I have faced rejection so well before, but I think its because I have learnt to discern and trust more.
You see? The only reason why I want to be in the play is cause its written by John Paul. However, I can already see a clash with many other commitments and I prayed before the audition to Jesus and also to John Paul to tell them to help me decide if I should be in the play. I told them to decide for me through the director.
God decided for me, how can I not be happier?
Praise the Lord.
Raymond
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Caught in the wind
Caught in the wind of the unfaltering truth,
where my life lies in the hands of our ever loving God.
My life cease to exist with one bling of an eye when I hold my hands against His amazing power.
I love Him truely with all my heart and will love Him in eternity, ever and ever after. What am i to say but to say that I am, that i am the repentance sinner, whom has fell in the fate of the forbidden apple. Waiting earnestly for the burning coal to come so as to touch my yearning lips from the heavenly of angels. Cleanse me of all my sins so that I can stand, to stand before my Beloved Lord with the Love and restoration. My Lord has never failed to comfort me when the time looks dim and when my life seems to be like an endless bottomless pit. Pouring out to me with the love that my heart desires, with no strings attached and with no sense of obligations.I pray to Thee with all my heart that You will come upon me with Your bright shining light, to guide me out of that ever lonely darkness. I love You Jesus, and always will be and pray that one day You will lead me to the path of our ever loving Father In Heaven. In Jesus name. Amen.
Love,
Suzanne
where my life lies in the hands of our ever loving God.
My life cease to exist with one bling of an eye when I hold my hands against His amazing power.
I love Him truely with all my heart and will love Him in eternity, ever and ever after. What am i to say but to say that I am, that i am the repentance sinner, whom has fell in the fate of the forbidden apple. Waiting earnestly for the burning coal to come so as to touch my yearning lips from the heavenly of angels. Cleanse me of all my sins so that I can stand, to stand before my Beloved Lord with the Love and restoration. My Lord has never failed to comfort me when the time looks dim and when my life seems to be like an endless bottomless pit. Pouring out to me with the love that my heart desires, with no strings attached and with no sense of obligations.I pray to Thee with all my heart that You will come upon me with Your bright shining light, to guide me out of that ever lonely darkness. I love You Jesus, and always will be and pray that one day You will lead me to the path of our ever loving Father In Heaven. In Jesus name. Amen.
Love,
Suzanne
shocked beyond belief
This is just a light sharing.
When i was at St Anthony's, i met this wonderful lady from Singles for Christ, and she was telling me how religion doesnt bring on to heaven, but the personal relationship we have with our Lord.
She told me how the Christians at work are very mean, but the atheist are all very nice people.
Then, on the way home, this irritating tailgating toyota corolla was tailgating me. When it later sped off, it nearly collided because of a taxi and OBVIOUSLY BECAUSE IT WAS SPEEDING.
Then before i knew it, the driver from the Toyota wound down his window and from 50m away was showing the middle finger and waving/punching his hands in the eyes. That taxi was a further 50m behind me!!
At the traffic light, the toyota was staring at the taxi driver with so much hatred, and it was rather hard not to see the huge cross hanging from the rear view mirror, and a jesus saves fish at the back of the car.
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm......
Are we living as Christians should in our daily lives, even on the roads when we tend to be more short tempered?
Maybe listening to Symphony 92.4 will help.
See you friends next Sunday.
thought today;s session was beautiful, somehow,
maybe its the passion within us that was radiating stronger today, i dunno.
Redang, here we come.
WYD, here we come!
Raymond
P.s. PJP II wrote 6 plays in all. WOW
When i was at St Anthony's, i met this wonderful lady from Singles for Christ, and she was telling me how religion doesnt bring on to heaven, but the personal relationship we have with our Lord.
She told me how the Christians at work are very mean, but the atheist are all very nice people.
Then, on the way home, this irritating tailgating toyota corolla was tailgating me. When it later sped off, it nearly collided because of a taxi and OBVIOUSLY BECAUSE IT WAS SPEEDING.
Then before i knew it, the driver from the Toyota wound down his window and from 50m away was showing the middle finger and waving/punching his hands in the eyes. That taxi was a further 50m behind me!!
At the traffic light, the toyota was staring at the taxi driver with so much hatred, and it was rather hard not to see the huge cross hanging from the rear view mirror, and a jesus saves fish at the back of the car.
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm......
Are we living as Christians should in our daily lives, even on the roads when we tend to be more short tempered?
Maybe listening to Symphony 92.4 will help.
See you friends next Sunday.
thought today;s session was beautiful, somehow,
maybe its the passion within us that was radiating stronger today, i dunno.
Redang, here we come.
WYD, here we come!
Raymond
P.s. PJP II wrote 6 plays in all. WOW
Friday, May 18, 2007
The art of correcting a brother or sister in Christ (often termed unfairly as “judging”)
One of the great joys of reading the bible is that you learn so so much. When I was reading 1Corinthians5:9 and it says this
9I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. 11But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.
12What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you."[b]
I realized that we have to, in fact, judge our brothers and sisters in community! But we have to do so lovingly. It is indeed very natural for us humans to feel judged when others tell us to change. But if we took a step back to ponder, we might realize that person does not have anything to gain from it, your wrath and hatred perhaps. So as our community grows in maturity, let us all aim towards correcting others with love and receiving correction with humility!
Below is a relevant sharing from PDL, and it just reinforces what I just shared. VERY GOOD, must read!
“Exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”
(Hebrews 3:13 ESV)
We need people in our lives who will love us enough to warn us when necessary. Just as “iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17 NIV), we’re to push each other toward Christ-like behavior and protect one another from failing in our faith.
God calls us to “tell each other the truth, because we all belong to each other in the same body” (Ephesians 4:25 NCV). The basis for warning each other in loving truth is that “we all belong to each other.”
Our warnings are not to be mere rebukes; they should be positive and redemptive – calling us to a higher place and reminding each other of our godly purpose. They are exhortations for restoration, and are given as loving corrections with a humble heart and compassionate words.
The apostle Paul said, “So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.” (Acts 20:31 NIV). Can you hear the passion and compassion in his voice? When our warnings are motivated by love and based on committed relationships, they rarely come across as harsh or mean.
In fact, when we warn others, we tell them how much we love them.
And as part of a Christian community, we also should be ready and willing to receive warnings from others. The fact is, we all have blind spots. Just like a driver sometimes needs help to see what’s in a car’s blind spot, we need friends to help us see things in us or near us that we don’t see ourselves. And in the same way we would warn a driver, the point is not to tear down the other person, but to keep him safely on the road.
Paul also says the warning should be immediate – “as long as it is called ‘today.’” We should seize the moment because waiting to warn only leads to disaster.
So what?
· Take a loving risk – You show your love for others by lovingly letting them know of blind spots. It takes a risk to show love in this way, but what will it cost if you don’t warn your friend? Who in your life needs to hear a word of warning?
· Loving restoration – When you point out a blind spot, it should not be done in anger. Your motive should be to restore your friend to a strong Christian walk and witness. Ask, “How can I make this warning tender?”
· Listen, don’t defend – Are you willing and prepared to receive a similar warning? When someone points out a blind spot in your life, listen – and don’t defend yourself. Take it to God and ask if it is true. If it is, ask him what you should do about it.
9I have written you in my letter not to associate with sexually immoral people— 10not at all meaning the people of this world who are immoral, or the greedy and swindlers, or idolaters. In that case you would have to leave this world. 11But now I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat.
12What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? 13God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you."[b]
I realized that we have to, in fact, judge our brothers and sisters in community! But we have to do so lovingly. It is indeed very natural for us humans to feel judged when others tell us to change. But if we took a step back to ponder, we might realize that person does not have anything to gain from it, your wrath and hatred perhaps. So as our community grows in maturity, let us all aim towards correcting others with love and receiving correction with humility!
Below is a relevant sharing from PDL, and it just reinforces what I just shared. VERY GOOD, must read!
“Exhort one another every day, as long as it is called ‘today,’ that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.”
(Hebrews 3:13 ESV)
We need people in our lives who will love us enough to warn us when necessary. Just as “iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17 NIV), we’re to push each other toward Christ-like behavior and protect one another from failing in our faith.
God calls us to “tell each other the truth, because we all belong to each other in the same body” (Ephesians 4:25 NCV). The basis for warning each other in loving truth is that “we all belong to each other.”
Our warnings are not to be mere rebukes; they should be positive and redemptive – calling us to a higher place and reminding each other of our godly purpose. They are exhortations for restoration, and are given as loving corrections with a humble heart and compassionate words.
The apostle Paul said, “So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.” (Acts 20:31 NIV). Can you hear the passion and compassion in his voice? When our warnings are motivated by love and based on committed relationships, they rarely come across as harsh or mean.
In fact, when we warn others, we tell them how much we love them.
And as part of a Christian community, we also should be ready and willing to receive warnings from others. The fact is, we all have blind spots. Just like a driver sometimes needs help to see what’s in a car’s blind spot, we need friends to help us see things in us or near us that we don’t see ourselves. And in the same way we would warn a driver, the point is not to tear down the other person, but to keep him safely on the road.
Paul also says the warning should be immediate – “as long as it is called ‘today.’” We should seize the moment because waiting to warn only leads to disaster.
So what?
· Take a loving risk – You show your love for others by lovingly letting them know of blind spots. It takes a risk to show love in this way, but what will it cost if you don’t warn your friend? Who in your life needs to hear a word of warning?
· Loving restoration – When you point out a blind spot, it should not be done in anger. Your motive should be to restore your friend to a strong Christian walk and witness. Ask, “How can I make this warning tender?”
· Listen, don’t defend – Are you willing and prepared to receive a similar warning? When someone points out a blind spot in your life, listen – and don’t defend yourself. Take it to God and ask if it is true. If it is, ask him what you should do about it.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Anger management
You know when you're been away for awhile and you looked back, what our lives have become? I can't help but make a comparison to our way of lives. Must I choose to conform? Is conformation a way of obedience or just a way of pure ignorance? I guess I would love to perceive it as a two sided of a coin. During my days of self retreat, I did little reflection on the people that lived there in Sydney. What makes us different from them? Coming out from Malaysia, I guess I should say we did make a big difference in making a name for ourselves, but rather than just indulging in our past self glories, how about making it a better place for the future. There’s a slogan that I came across when I was waiting for a bus in the city at St Elisabeth. It says care for the present, hope for the future. (Or something like that.) It strikes a cord. I mean we as citizens of Singapore should start caring now and pray for the better of our future. I guess I always felt resentful certain things about what Singapore should have and shouldn’t have done. But actually, to make a difference, it all balls onto us. Rather just being resentful over the little things that clashes with one personal views, why not make that an opportunity to make a difference in the world or rather in our own little country. I guess that’s when the faith of God comes in. Have faith. Singapore is indeed a very safe and organized place to live in, but once you got caught in the web, it sort of stifles your own judgment. After giving me a long awaited rest, I sort of able to think a little clearer now. If that ever happens again when I have angst in me, its probably time for me to take another vacation again. Cant wait for that to come!(laughs)*winks*
With Love,
Suzanne
With Love,
Suzanne
Sunday, May 6, 2007
JY Conference - Rexband
Rexband. When you hear their music, it just makes you wanna shout for joy and do nothing but give all praises to God. And as each day passes, they each reveal their encounter with our Lord Jesus Christ, and you think "Its no wonder their music and praises are so powerful. In their song and dance, its nothing but praises coming from them."
Testimony 1
One of the lead singers shared that his father passed away (not the same guy in previous post JY Conference Day 1) when he was just 15 years and suddenly he felt like he was incharge of the family. He had to take care of the funeral etc.
One thing strucked me - despite the emotional turmoil I was going through the whole 1st and 2nd day, I ought to be thankful that my dad is still around. I can still forgive, let go and reconcile. Having said all these, (a continuation from my Day 1 sharing), I went for confession on day 2 morning and really felt like I could return home to my heavenly father. I realised forgiveness has long set in, the pain comes because even with forgivness I have failed to have a proper 'reconciliation' or even a proper heart-to-heart conversation.
And so conclusion was that I ought to keep working on it. And be patient. Only the healing touch of Jesus can nurse me and this relationship with my dad.
Testimony 2
Another lady lead singer was carrying her first child many years back. In her 9th month, she went for a scan only to discover there are some issues (of which i cant remember) with her baby. Doctor said the baby would not make it but she prayed hard. Very unfortunately, the baby did not survive.
9 months of carrying the baby and it just died. Shouldn't she be devastated?
We get upset over a break up, over a broken friendship, over an exam, over the fustration at work, over our parents nagging or a quarrel with our sibling... this lady, removing her dead baby in the operation room (after carrying it for 9 months), she asks the nurse to open the bible and read to her Psalms 59
"But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning:
for thou hast been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble. Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defense,and the God of my mercy."
What???? A woman of great faith indeed!
I was really "wow!", how often have I really praised God in my struggles? I always think 'my pain is too painful to handle'.. but seriously, how can it be compared to the pain of this mother?
It was then, I came to realize that there is a greater need to deepen my relationship with Christ, that I may one day praise and thank him even in times of trials..."When the darkness closes in Lord, still I will say, Blesse be the name of the Lord..."
So here you have - a wonderful band, each bringing with them their encounters with Christ and praising God in the music they play. Praise God for speaking to me through them.
Shen shen per chow! (Praise God)
Rexband in Action
People Singing Praises to God - see their faces
Testimony 1
One of the lead singers shared that his father passed away (not the same guy in previous post JY Conference Day 1) when he was just 15 years and suddenly he felt like he was incharge of the family. He had to take care of the funeral etc.
One thing strucked me - despite the emotional turmoil I was going through the whole 1st and 2nd day, I ought to be thankful that my dad is still around. I can still forgive, let go and reconcile. Having said all these, (a continuation from my Day 1 sharing), I went for confession on day 2 morning and really felt like I could return home to my heavenly father. I realised forgiveness has long set in, the pain comes because even with forgivness I have failed to have a proper 'reconciliation' or even a proper heart-to-heart conversation.
And so conclusion was that I ought to keep working on it. And be patient. Only the healing touch of Jesus can nurse me and this relationship with my dad.
Testimony 2
Another lady lead singer was carrying her first child many years back. In her 9th month, she went for a scan only to discover there are some issues (of which i cant remember) with her baby. Doctor said the baby would not make it but she prayed hard. Very unfortunately, the baby did not survive.
9 months of carrying the baby and it just died. Shouldn't she be devastated?
We get upset over a break up, over a broken friendship, over an exam, over the fustration at work, over our parents nagging or a quarrel with our sibling... this lady, removing her dead baby in the operation room (after carrying it for 9 months), she asks the nurse to open the bible and read to her Psalms 59
"But I will sing of thy power; yea, I will sing aloud of thy mercy in the morning:
for thou hast been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble. Unto thee, O my strength, will I sing: for God is my defense,and the God of my mercy."
What???? A woman of great faith indeed!
I was really "wow!", how often have I really praised God in my struggles? I always think 'my pain is too painful to handle'.. but seriously, how can it be compared to the pain of this mother?
It was then, I came to realize that there is a greater need to deepen my relationship with Christ, that I may one day praise and thank him even in times of trials..."When the darkness closes in Lord, still I will say, Blesse be the name of the Lord..."
So here you have - a wonderful band, each bringing with them their encounters with Christ and praising God in the music they play. Praise God for speaking to me through them.
Shen shen per chow! (Praise God)
Rexband in Action
People Singing Praises to God - see their faces
Saturday, May 5, 2007
some cambodian pictures.
this blog not only got pictures ok!
read sharing below called SHEN SHEN PER CAW!
read sharing below called SHEN SHEN PER CAW!
Shen Shen Per Caw
Thai: shen shen per caw!
English: Praise the Lord!
i was just reading all the posts, and there is so much to read after a week away and colin's thesis paper was really long.. haha.
anyway i was reading kenny's and i began to reflect and realise that this was the BEST EXAM i ever set for. irnoically, the last exam was the worst in my life.
a few weeks before the exams, i received the gift of reading the bible. and i am so glad because we all hear others saying how wonderful the bible is and all. i think the first step is to pray for the lord for this gift, this thirst.
so anyway, normally i am a damn last minute person (everyone nod your heads) and i will be cramming notes right into the exam halls. this exam, i spent my last hour in the ado at SPP and i read the bible and let myself be brought back to the times when the apostles were persecuted. and then i go for exam in total peace of mind.
when i got back my first result, i got an A+ for Econs. and i totally dont deserve it. and so i told myself, shen shen per caw. you, raymond, cannot be happy. ok, smile for one second only ah. cause all credit goes to god.
the next day, i got B for stats. and i told myself, cannot be sad ah. and i wasnt! i realise i have surrendered my exams into the hands of jesus! and so it doesnt bother me what grades i should receive.
and then it dawned on me that i might make it unto the dean's list. and the first thought that came to mind was, does it matter? and i realise that it might be out of pride that i want to be on the dean's list. whats the diff between 3.69 and 3.7? practically nothing right? but one makes it to the dean's list and the other is not.
so i prayed and told god, if you think i will be prideful, which i dont think i will but you know best, then do not allow me to be on it lord.
and tada. i am not. shen shen per caw.haha. 0.06 away from the mark.
and so, this verse speaks to me once again:
seek ye first the kingdom of god, and his righteousness.
and all these things shall be added unto you, alleluia.
oh ya one last small sharing.
REXband was at the jesus youth conference and they will be at the WYD/ rocks.
and as the days go by, i realised they were all super high fliers.
one was a prof of english.
one was the top media guy in india. some people came down just to see him cause in india, you have to pay alot to see him from very far!
one sister teaches PHD students.
one brother designed the WHOLE university which is gorgeous!
really, we just have to trust in the lord.
i heard so so so many testimonies and some people say you need to hear things spoken to you seven times before it seeps into you.
and indeed now i am so convinced of the love of the lord.
AMEN
English: Praise the Lord!
i was just reading all the posts, and there is so much to read after a week away and colin's thesis paper was really long.. haha.
anyway i was reading kenny's and i began to reflect and realise that this was the BEST EXAM i ever set for. irnoically, the last exam was the worst in my life.
a few weeks before the exams, i received the gift of reading the bible. and i am so glad because we all hear others saying how wonderful the bible is and all. i think the first step is to pray for the lord for this gift, this thirst.
so anyway, normally i am a damn last minute person (everyone nod your heads) and i will be cramming notes right into the exam halls. this exam, i spent my last hour in the ado at SPP and i read the bible and let myself be brought back to the times when the apostles were persecuted. and then i go for exam in total peace of mind.
when i got back my first result, i got an A+ for Econs. and i totally dont deserve it. and so i told myself, shen shen per caw. you, raymond, cannot be happy. ok, smile for one second only ah. cause all credit goes to god.
the next day, i got B for stats. and i told myself, cannot be sad ah. and i wasnt! i realise i have surrendered my exams into the hands of jesus! and so it doesnt bother me what grades i should receive.
and then it dawned on me that i might make it unto the dean's list. and the first thought that came to mind was, does it matter? and i realise that it might be out of pride that i want to be on the dean's list. whats the diff between 3.69 and 3.7? practically nothing right? but one makes it to the dean's list and the other is not.
so i prayed and told god, if you think i will be prideful, which i dont think i will but you know best, then do not allow me to be on it lord.
and tada. i am not. shen shen per caw.haha. 0.06 away from the mark.
and so, this verse speaks to me once again:
seek ye first the kingdom of god, and his righteousness.
and all these things shall be added unto you, alleluia.
oh ya one last small sharing.
REXband was at the jesus youth conference and they will be at the WYD/ rocks.
and as the days go by, i realised they were all super high fliers.
one was a prof of english.
one was the top media guy in india. some people came down just to see him cause in india, you have to pay alot to see him from very far!
one sister teaches PHD students.
one brother designed the WHOLE university which is gorgeous!
really, we just have to trust in the lord.
i heard so so so many testimonies and some people say you need to hear things spoken to you seven times before it seeps into you.
and indeed now i am so convinced of the love of the lord.
AMEN
Monday, April 30, 2007
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Videos and Promotion
Hellos everyone,
Just wanted to share this website that has some cool stuff: www.godtube.com
if you havent already knew about it. And the following videos which I think are quite ok...they are meant to exaggerate the difference, so its abit unfair, but I think it makes its point.
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=240ad5b9b413aa7346a1
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=d1345dd8fe4e481144d8
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=3bb12d203f45a912eeaf
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=c5e5d1c6e28598e8cbbe
For me it reminds me that, in the end, what we really need to do as Christians is to lead a life that Christ would want us to lead. And that really the most effective evangelism is through our lives.
Also attended a wake last night, and the pastor said some good things. He mentioned that death is like a promotion, from this temporary life, to life eternal with our loving God. And that our separation from our promoted loved ones, (which would last 100 years max?), is a tiny blip compared to eternity with them and God in Heaven.
Praise God for His kindness and mercy to us all.
mark (my 1st post! hehe paiseh)
Just wanted to share this website that has some cool stuff: www.godtube.com
if you havent already knew about it. And the following videos which I think are quite ok...they are meant to exaggerate the difference, so its abit unfair, but I think it makes its point.
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=240ad5b9b413aa7346a1
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=d1345dd8fe4e481144d8
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=3bb12d203f45a912eeaf
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=c5e5d1c6e28598e8cbbe
For me it reminds me that, in the end, what we really need to do as Christians is to lead a life that Christ would want us to lead. And that really the most effective evangelism is through our lives.
Also attended a wake last night, and the pastor said some good things. He mentioned that death is like a promotion, from this temporary life, to life eternal with our loving God. And that our separation from our promoted loved ones, (which would last 100 years max?), is a tiny blip compared to eternity with them and God in Heaven.
Praise God for His kindness and mercy to us all.
mark (my 1st post! hehe paiseh)
Jesus Youth Conference - Day 1
Last night we arrived at the Assumption University after a very very very Long detour ard almost the whole bangkok. Was sharing with Shireen and figured we both just came and had no clue what we were in for. We even had no idea where we were really staying and what conditions was like or even the actual programme. We just signed up and ended up here.
Yes, I felt like I was transported (literally too) in time to this place. But God is really wonderful. He brought me to a wonderful place here. The uni here is way cool, tall structures, marble church, huge pond with a million baht horse sculpture in the middle of it... every building here seem to represent some iconic structure in Europe. In reeny's words "This place is a hidden treasure of Asia". And the people are really cool as well - energy of the youths is just amazing. Endless jumping and screaming and cheering and praises to God.
But God is wonderful not just for the place and people, but for the message he has revealed to me today. And the healing process He plans to take me through.
The first input session in the afternoon left nothing more than reality - a reality of my brokenness. And also helpless cries.
The speaker (Jude Antonie - if you ever read this, Thank you for sharing) shared about his transformation story. He came from a Catholic family, complete and loving. But at the age of 15, his father (45 years old, healthy and no bad smoking habits or anything) died of heart attack. He was hurt, blamed God and eventually left church and abandoned God. At 18, a kid filled with hatred and anger, he attempted suicide - when he heard a voice telling him to give God a second chance. And he challenged God then that if it was His will, show him a sign.
Then he felt someone touch his shoulder and say to him very clearly "It was I who took your father away, I am responsible for it. Let me love you and be your father..." For the first time in 3 years, Jude cried.
And I was filled with tears as well. His story spoke straight to my heart.
I realised then that there might be much brokenness in me that I have been hiding away from. I always thought that maybe I'm ok with my dad not being around in the family. But truth is, maybe I'm not.
The second session was a testimony given by brother who spoke about forgiveness. I couldnt help but ask "God, if I am to forgive, what am I to say to him? What exactly are you asking me to do?"
At this point of time, i just know I might be broken deep within. And there is a desire to "forgive" and reconcile but I do not know how. I pray i will have the answer at the end of these 4 days.
Meanwhile, for those of you back at home, raymond has some photos below for you.
--------
Yes, I felt like I was transported (literally too) in time to this place. But God is really wonderful. He brought me to a wonderful place here. The uni here is way cool, tall structures, marble church, huge pond with a million baht horse sculpture in the middle of it... every building here seem to represent some iconic structure in Europe. In reeny's words "This place is a hidden treasure of Asia". And the people are really cool as well - energy of the youths is just amazing. Endless jumping and screaming and cheering and praises to God.
But God is wonderful not just for the place and people, but for the message he has revealed to me today. And the healing process He plans to take me through.
The first input session in the afternoon left nothing more than reality - a reality of my brokenness. And also helpless cries.
The speaker (Jude Antonie - if you ever read this, Thank you for sharing) shared about his transformation story. He came from a Catholic family, complete and loving. But at the age of 15, his father (45 years old, healthy and no bad smoking habits or anything) died of heart attack. He was hurt, blamed God and eventually left church and abandoned God. At 18, a kid filled with hatred and anger, he attempted suicide - when he heard a voice telling him to give God a second chance. And he challenged God then that if it was His will, show him a sign.
Then he felt someone touch his shoulder and say to him very clearly "It was I who took your father away, I am responsible for it. Let me love you and be your father..." For the first time in 3 years, Jude cried.
And I was filled with tears as well. His story spoke straight to my heart.
I realised then that there might be much brokenness in me that I have been hiding away from. I always thought that maybe I'm ok with my dad not being around in the family. But truth is, maybe I'm not.
The second session was a testimony given by brother who spoke about forgiveness. I couldnt help but ask "God, if I am to forgive, what am I to say to him? What exactly are you asking me to do?"
At this point of time, i just know I might be broken deep within. And there is a desire to "forgive" and reconcile but I do not know how. I pray i will have the answer at the end of these 4 days.
Meanwhile, for those of you back at home, raymond has some photos below for you.
--------
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
He says, "Follow Me"
It is really a conscious effort to choose God over every part of your life daily.
I have been struggling for weeks now, because what started out as a friendship with an old friend some many months back has turned to more than friendship. And there is a major problem - he is attached to another girl.
Its funny because I know I am not looking for anything serious with him yet I am attracted to him, and would like to hang out and get to know him better. And I am confused because I can’t tell if its just friendship I’m seeking for, or more.
But today, I woke up knowing there is a need to sort my issues and re-evaluate my actions. And there is a need if I want to choose God over everything. There is pain – not because I can’t be with him, not because I am hurt by his actions, but because I am indirectly causing hurt to his gf and their relationship.
And more painful because I came to realize my ways are not God's ways. My plans are not His. And if I choose to follow, I have to put a stop to the companionship and maybe, even the friendship.
I have to trust that God has plans for me. And this is not one of it.
Father, teach me to love you more each day - to love you more than myself, and more than anything or anyone else.
“As many parts forming one body with Christ as our head, we are a Catholic community of Christ’s disciples committed to building the Kingdom of God in our daily lives”
Rachelle
I have been struggling for weeks now, because what started out as a friendship with an old friend some many months back has turned to more than friendship. And there is a major problem - he is attached to another girl.
Its funny because I know I am not looking for anything serious with him yet I am attracted to him, and would like to hang out and get to know him better. And I am confused because I can’t tell if its just friendship I’m seeking for, or more.
But today, I woke up knowing there is a need to sort my issues and re-evaluate my actions. And there is a need if I want to choose God over everything. There is pain – not because I can’t be with him, not because I am hurt by his actions, but because I am indirectly causing hurt to his gf and their relationship.
And more painful because I came to realize my ways are not God's ways. My plans are not His. And if I choose to follow, I have to put a stop to the companionship and maybe, even the friendship.
I have to trust that God has plans for me. And this is not one of it.
Father, teach me to love you more each day - to love you more than myself, and more than anything or anyone else.
“As many parts forming one body with Christ as our head, we are a Catholic community of Christ’s disciples committed to building the Kingdom of God in our daily lives”
Rachelle
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Sunday, April 15, 2007
I have alot to share. This is a precurssor to my long sharing tomolo.
“No more lies, no more pretense. Tell your brother the truth. In Christ’s body we’re all connected to each other. When you lie to others, you end up lying to yourself.” (Ephesians 4:25 MSG)
Discipleship — Honesty deepens our relationships, allowing us to be transparent with one another. (Proverbs 24:26) It keeps our fellowship open and authentic, freeing us to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) as we practice remarkable integrity. (Titus 2:7) It keeps us sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance (John 16:13) and helps us battle deceptions that corrupt our lives in Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)
Being honest with each other requires us to say what we mean and mean what we say. (Matthew 5:37) It means we show the same honesty in public as we do in private. (Acts 20:20) It calls us to remain committed to the One Truth – God’s truth. (John14:6)
As new creations in Christ, we’ve taken off our old selves, and accordingly we should no longer lie to each other. (Colossians 3:9) In fact, the father of lies is the evil one: “There is no truth in him. When he lies, it is consistent with his character; for he is a liar ....” (John 8:44 NIV; italics added)
Being honest in Christian community means we no longer use pretense to keep others from seeing who we really are – “We refuse to wear masks and play games. We don’t maneuver and manipulate behind the scenes. And we don’t twist God’s Word to suit ourselves. Rather, we keep everything we do and say out in the open, the whole truth on display, so that those who want to can see and judge for themselves in the presence of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:2 MSG)
There should be no need to “read between the lines or look for hidden meanings” because we speak a “plain, unembellished truth.” (2 Corinthians 1:13 MSG)
In fact, we’re to “use our powerful God-tools for smashing warped philosophies, tearing down barriers erected against the truth of God, fitting every loose thought and emotion and impulse into the structure of life shaped by Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5 MSG)
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Touched by sharings and God's word!
Hi friends!
HOORAY the horrible exams are over.
Please pray that i get this job that i want. its for this high class architecture firm and its both my passion and a well paying job.
Also please pray for dominic's son if you havent read your email.
I was esp touched by Constance's sharing:
accept her as she is, changing her for the better is another thing
I think we often get confused with acceptance and hoping the person change.
its 2 different things and its impt we know the difference.
Anyway, this exam was the best i ever had. and what a stark difference from the worst exam i ever had last semester!
And the amazing thing is "best" or "worst" doesnt refer to grades! its how i feel so close to god during the whole period, and i realise this would prob be the few moments i have to carry my cross cause its so stressful and its quite a torture actually.
the reason why this exam was different was because i decided to spend more time with god even though i was more busy.
and thanks to the new exam venue in admin block, with fantastic view of the city skyline, it is one min away from SPP adoration room! So i am always there before exam and it was so peaceful and all, knowing that all wisdom comes from the guy infront of me, and that some might just diffuse into me hopefully haha.
and then i started reading the bible. i am reading acts now and i CANT STOP READING THE BIBLE>
i read it everyday in ado and before i sleep. and its like a story book and i learnt so much.
i dunno where this desire came from but i praise god i have this desire to read the bible!
and i tell you, i learn so much. and i realise the bible is the MOST EFFECTIVE way for god to speak to us!
a vision? hear god's voice? quite rare...
read bible and get a message. VERY POSSIBLE!!!
so friends, pick up your bibles!
love,
raymond
HOORAY the horrible exams are over.
Please pray that i get this job that i want. its for this high class architecture firm and its both my passion and a well paying job.
Also please pray for dominic's son if you havent read your email.
I was esp touched by Constance's sharing:
accept her as she is, changing her for the better is another thing
I think we often get confused with acceptance and hoping the person change.
its 2 different things and its impt we know the difference.
Anyway, this exam was the best i ever had. and what a stark difference from the worst exam i ever had last semester!
And the amazing thing is "best" or "worst" doesnt refer to grades! its how i feel so close to god during the whole period, and i realise this would prob be the few moments i have to carry my cross cause its so stressful and its quite a torture actually.
the reason why this exam was different was because i decided to spend more time with god even though i was more busy.
and thanks to the new exam venue in admin block, with fantastic view of the city skyline, it is one min away from SPP adoration room! So i am always there before exam and it was so peaceful and all, knowing that all wisdom comes from the guy infront of me, and that some might just diffuse into me hopefully haha.
and then i started reading the bible. i am reading acts now and i CANT STOP READING THE BIBLE>
i read it everyday in ado and before i sleep. and its like a story book and i learnt so much.
i dunno where this desire came from but i praise god i have this desire to read the bible!
and i tell you, i learn so much. and i realise the bible is the MOST EFFECTIVE way for god to speak to us!
a vision? hear god's voice? quite rare...
read bible and get a message. VERY POSSIBLE!!!
so friends, pick up your bibles!
love,
raymond
Reflection on the Fleeting Life
Was at some insurance company today.
Questions they posed were as such. What are your short term(3 years), mid term (3-10years) and long term (>10 years) plans? We talked wills, death, insurances, what happened after, priorities, etc.
For anyone who has been to an insurance agent, or the eupehmism for that- a financial analyst, must have had such an experience as well.
What was brought to my mind was, in that short duration, the brevity of life. But Just how brief is life?
A phrase from the song, "who am i" has it-
" i am a flower quickly fading, here today and gone tomorrow.
a wave tossed in this ocean, a vapour in the wind."
There are numerous occasions i witness this. The chinese new year visits, to relatives that are so huge and vibrant one year, and shockingly shrunken the next. The words we hear, constantly attached to that of the older folks, "stroke", "cancer", "dementia", " she lost so much weight.." etc, urging a certain metal preparation for the worst, or the resignation of such inevitability.
And for those that has passed on, do they not provoke certain questions we'd ask ourselves?
At our deathbeds, as the cliche goes, "when life flashes before your eyes", and when we stand face to face with God, can we say "this is the best and i offer it"?
Or will we receive a "is this the best you have to offer"?
"Fear not that your life will come to an end, but that it'll never have a beginning." - Cardinal Newman.I think the alarm is sounded not when we realise that we're on this earth for too short a time, but when this stay has been more an existence than living.
This is not a just a message to all but to myself as well. That "unless you become like little children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven".
'He speaks with candour and courage. She is innocent and curious of the things around her. He believes in himself and what he has to do. She knows and trusts her parents. '
And the most interesting thing, was that we were all like that once- a child. Somewhere along the way, we allowed someone to tell us who we were not, we began trusting a little more in ourselves and our friends, and a little less on our parents. We held back our honesty, we began to fear. We began wanting more. We began letting go of that hand who used to hold us, in an attempt to grasp what seemed to be a more attractive world around. Along the way, we lost who we were.
And all of a sudden, "memento mori". We remember we must die.
That was the little debate at Coffee bean, no? At which point in time, do we lose ourselves? And if we were to look for that, as a clock wondering what his function was, do we not need to meet our maker?
But our maker goes even one step further, he does not wait for us to meet him. He comes to meet us. The clockmaker becomes a clock, to meet the clocks. And paradoxically, he lets himself be dismantled for the clocks to realise their functions.
And it is to understand our own clockwork, why and how were we made-in the reflection of the Maker- that we begin seeing one another as so similar and so different all at once. We welcome to the varying opinions and the different mindsets, and we acknowledge our common humanity underneath, all the same. Thats when another, has become a brother.
Maybe at this end of the day, as our lives fly us by, its the fellow people in it, the relationships taht withstood the test of time, the love we brought to this world and the faith that we stood by, that make this short stay an amazingly colourful one.
"You told me who i am, I am yours."- Casting Crowns' Who Am i.
Questions they posed were as such. What are your short term(3 years), mid term (3-10years) and long term (>10 years) plans? We talked wills, death, insurances, what happened after, priorities, etc.
For anyone who has been to an insurance agent, or the eupehmism for that- a financial analyst, must have had such an experience as well.
What was brought to my mind was, in that short duration, the brevity of life. But Just how brief is life?
A phrase from the song, "who am i" has it-
" i am a flower quickly fading, here today and gone tomorrow.
a wave tossed in this ocean, a vapour in the wind."
There are numerous occasions i witness this. The chinese new year visits, to relatives that are so huge and vibrant one year, and shockingly shrunken the next. The words we hear, constantly attached to that of the older folks, "stroke", "cancer", "dementia", " she lost so much weight.." etc, urging a certain metal preparation for the worst, or the resignation of such inevitability.
And for those that has passed on, do they not provoke certain questions we'd ask ourselves?
At our deathbeds, as the cliche goes, "when life flashes before your eyes", and when we stand face to face with God, can we say "this is the best and i offer it"?
Or will we receive a "is this the best you have to offer"?
"Fear not that your life will come to an end, but that it'll never have a beginning." - Cardinal Newman.I think the alarm is sounded not when we realise that we're on this earth for too short a time, but when this stay has been more an existence than living.
This is not a just a message to all but to myself as well. That "unless you become like little children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven".
'He speaks with candour and courage. She is innocent and curious of the things around her. He believes in himself and what he has to do. She knows and trusts her parents. '
And the most interesting thing, was that we were all like that once- a child. Somewhere along the way, we allowed someone to tell us who we were not, we began trusting a little more in ourselves and our friends, and a little less on our parents. We held back our honesty, we began to fear. We began wanting more. We began letting go of that hand who used to hold us, in an attempt to grasp what seemed to be a more attractive world around. Along the way, we lost who we were.
And all of a sudden, "memento mori". We remember we must die.
That was the little debate at Coffee bean, no? At which point in time, do we lose ourselves? And if we were to look for that, as a clock wondering what his function was, do we not need to meet our maker?
But our maker goes even one step further, he does not wait for us to meet him. He comes to meet us. The clockmaker becomes a clock, to meet the clocks. And paradoxically, he lets himself be dismantled for the clocks to realise their functions.
And it is to understand our own clockwork, why and how were we made-in the reflection of the Maker- that we begin seeing one another as so similar and so different all at once. We welcome to the varying opinions and the different mindsets, and we acknowledge our common humanity underneath, all the same. Thats when another, has become a brother.
Maybe at this end of the day, as our lives fly us by, its the fellow people in it, the relationships taht withstood the test of time, the love we brought to this world and the faith that we stood by, that make this short stay an amazingly colourful one.
"You told me who i am, I am yours."- Casting Crowns' Who Am i.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
When you lift it up, it just seems so small
Last night I couldnt get to sleep because I was thinking of some issues at work and how to resolve it.
I prayed very hard for God to give me all knowledge and wisdom neccessary to resolve the issue. And that I may later say "Thank you God for allowing me to resolve this. And for giving me all knowledge and wisdom that comes from you, only you"
I was humbled to realise once again what we have here does not really belong to us and is really a blessing only given by God.
But asking and praying hard was never gonna let me sleep. So I changed my prayer and lifted up my worries and fears to Him, and I said "Father, I know everything will be in your good hands. Teach me to trust in You."
And truly, when you lift it up to God, it really just seems so small.
Rachelle
I prayed very hard for God to give me all knowledge and wisdom neccessary to resolve the issue. And that I may later say "Thank you God for allowing me to resolve this. And for giving me all knowledge and wisdom that comes from you, only you"
I was humbled to realise once again what we have here does not really belong to us and is really a blessing only given by God.
But asking and praying hard was never gonna let me sleep. So I changed my prayer and lifted up my worries and fears to Him, and I said "Father, I know everything will be in your good hands. Teach me to trust in You."
And truly, when you lift it up to God, it really just seems so small.
Rachelle
Saturday, April 7, 2007
shocking how PDL is quite catholic in its teachings.
Jesus stopped
by Jon Walker
(WOWs) by Raymond
“Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions.” (1 John 3:18 NLT)
Ministry/Service — Jesus stopped. He stopped when people needed his help; when they needed his comfort; when they needed his protection; when they needed an answer to a perplexing problem.
Jesus saw the interruptions in his life as divine opportunities to show God’s love to people in desperate need.
Jesus approached love from a show first, then tell perspective. (WOW)
He defined love as meeting needs, and when he touched people, they realized “… they were in a place of holy mystery, that God was at work among them. They were quietly worshipful – and then noisily grateful, calling out among themselves, ‘God is back, looking to the needs of his people!’” (Luke 7:16 MSG)
Jesus expressed his love through action. He calls us to be action figures, but he never wants us so busy saving the world that we ignore the interruptions of those in need.
Like the Good Samaritan, Jesus wants us ever ready to help someone in need (Luke 10). The Bible says, “If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God's love? It disappears. And you made it disappear.” (1 John 3:17 MSG, italics added)
Jesus showed that faith and service go hand-in-hand. When the woman of poor reputation anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive oil and tearfully washed them with her hair, Jesus said to her, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” Her act of service was a reflection of her faith in God. (WOW)
When the disciples of John the Baptist asked Jesus to verify he was the Christ, his response was to point to his service. He said, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.” (Luke 7:22 NIV)
And the Jesus-follower James stressed that we are to be doers of the word, not just hearers: “Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, "Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!" and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup – where does that get you? Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?” (James 2:14a-17 MSG)
Francis of Assisi once wrote, “Preach the gospel; if necessary, use words.” (WOW) In showing our love, no task should be too menial. Jesus specialized in acts of service most people usually try to avoid: washing feet, helping children, fixing breakfast, and serving lepers. Nothing was beneath him, because his service flowed from his love.
So what?
· Practical love – Jesus indicated our acts of love should be very practical; even giving a cup of cold water in his name is an act of love (Matt. 10:42).
· Serve today – Ask, ‘How can I serve you today?’ Look around and address what you see: Help mow the lawn, watch a neighbor’s child, bring food to a shut-in, visit a sick friend.
· We serve God by serving others, and we can serve even better when we serve with other believers (Ecclesiastes 4:9). Think about a ministry that you can share with a small group of friends.
by Jon Walker
(WOWs) by Raymond
“Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions.” (1 John 3:18 NLT)
Ministry/Service — Jesus stopped. He stopped when people needed his help; when they needed his comfort; when they needed his protection; when they needed an answer to a perplexing problem.
Jesus saw the interruptions in his life as divine opportunities to show God’s love to people in desperate need.
Jesus approached love from a show first, then tell perspective. (WOW)
He defined love as meeting needs, and when he touched people, they realized “… they were in a place of holy mystery, that God was at work among them. They were quietly worshipful – and then noisily grateful, calling out among themselves, ‘God is back, looking to the needs of his people!’” (Luke 7:16 MSG)
Jesus expressed his love through action. He calls us to be action figures, but he never wants us so busy saving the world that we ignore the interruptions of those in need.
Like the Good Samaritan, Jesus wants us ever ready to help someone in need (Luke 10). The Bible says, “If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God's love? It disappears. And you made it disappear.” (1 John 3:17 MSG, italics added)
Jesus showed that faith and service go hand-in-hand. When the woman of poor reputation anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive oil and tearfully washed them with her hair, Jesus said to her, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” Her act of service was a reflection of her faith in God. (WOW)
When the disciples of John the Baptist asked Jesus to verify he was the Christ, his response was to point to his service. He said, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.” (Luke 7:22 NIV)
And the Jesus-follower James stressed that we are to be doers of the word, not just hearers: “Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, "Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!" and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup – where does that get you? Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?” (James 2:14a-17 MSG)
Francis of Assisi once wrote, “Preach the gospel; if necessary, use words.” (WOW) In showing our love, no task should be too menial. Jesus specialized in acts of service most people usually try to avoid: washing feet, helping children, fixing breakfast, and serving lepers. Nothing was beneath him, because his service flowed from his love.
So what?
· Practical love – Jesus indicated our acts of love should be very practical; even giving a cup of cold water in his name is an act of love (Matt. 10:42).
· Serve today – Ask, ‘How can I serve you today?’ Look around and address what you see: Help mow the lawn, watch a neighbor’s child, bring food to a shut-in, visit a sick friend.
· We serve God by serving others, and we can serve even better when we serve with other believers (Ecclesiastes 4:9). Think about a ministry that you can share with a small group of friends.
Friday, April 6, 2007
The ninth born
Hello friends, as some of you know, i will be in SMU's annual production 2007.
I will be collecting money from those who wanna buy tickets to watch the show.
It should be quite a good performance, looking at the ever talented cast, ahem.
However, do not expect to see me much!
I am playing a puppet and this funny brother in law role.
HAPPY EASTER!
A glorious remembrance to our Lord on this Easter day!
Perhaps it's a way of calling for help or rather I have finally find it hopeless in my days of slogging. I have set my mind in moving to australia if everything goes as plans. I really find it tough living in a world or a place where human touch has lost it's meaning? At least in the outside world. I felt blinded by the world that literally tears my soul. Aiming to be successful comes with a hefty price where jealousy seems to be like an unformidable foe. I am really tired, or more honestly said exhausted.Seriously, I don't need to have a lot of material things in life ( While at least in Singapore's standard) All I do need is love. Love from my friends, my family, or just pure simple love. Perhaps I might be a little unrealistic in what I want, but is that really so to begin with? That's where Christ comes into play. Jesus loved us so much as to die for us for our sins, that's the ultimate love that anyone has done for us in early times. And now in today's news, it shocked me to see so many disciples are following suit. Might be abit alarming, while at least for me....i'm sorry but I truely believe in the depths of my heart that we are not being defined by how much we own , but rather how we much we can contribute in spreading the word to the world and while making the world a better place to live in. Cause at the end of the day, what have we got to show forth to but only to our Father in Heaven...In Jesus name, I pray....
Suzanne
Suzanne
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Touched by his humility and love
You know, there's always something magical about Christmas Midnight mass and Easter vigil and Last supper mass? Maybe its because it isnt the usual mass that has many time slots you can choose from. Its the one and only. You wanna be there? Expect to squeeze, expect to come early to get seats. And whats worse still, these masses are not even compulsory.
And if you know a little about Economics ( i am mugging that until i decided to take a break), then you'll know that the people who come generally want to seek god, and not come out of obligation.
as a result, the singing and worshipping becomes real and you can feel it in the air.
As we were singing the entrance hymn last night,
WE REMEMBER HOW YOU LOVED US, TO YOUR DEATH, AND STILL WE CELEBRATE FOR YOU ARE WITH US HERE. AND WE BELIEVE THAT WE WILL SEE YOU, WHEN YOU COME, IN YOUR GLORY, LORD, WE REMEMBER, WE CELEBRATE, WE BELIEVE.
I was brought to tears because I cannot phantom how my god can come and die for me.
It goes against Nature, this whole act.
I can almost scream, NOOOOOOOOO, dont do it. I dont deserve it.
And yet, after praying so fervently in the garden, he accepted god's will.
It was also until last night that i realised when god said he will passover the houses whose lamps were painted with blood did the festival of passover orginate.
And then at this all great feast, where Jews celebrate god's great mercy towards them, jesus ate his last meal. and after which his blood was used to save the rest of the world, and we no longer need to smear animal blood on our doors.
i am so so awestruck by scripture, esp how all the things of the past, like 1000BC, can all link to Jesus's actions.
Its unbelieveable.
just based on facts, i wonder why people do not believe.
its SO OBVIOUS TO ME that jesus is THE messiah.
And when watching the passion, i realised that Judas was not the scapegoat that i have viewed him as all along.
God didnt make him the scapegoat because so many others could recognise Jesus and wouldn not even need the temptation of money to point out jesus. However, Judas in his own free will, decided to do so. When scripture says that someone was to betray jesus, it was the crowd, and from the crowd, judas just happened to be the one who made the concious decicion to betray god.
amen amen.
there is much hope in our lives because jesus is our king.
INRI, indeed
And if you know a little about Economics ( i am mugging that until i decided to take a break), then you'll know that the people who come generally want to seek god, and not come out of obligation.
as a result, the singing and worshipping becomes real and you can feel it in the air.
As we were singing the entrance hymn last night,
WE REMEMBER HOW YOU LOVED US, TO YOUR DEATH, AND STILL WE CELEBRATE FOR YOU ARE WITH US HERE. AND WE BELIEVE THAT WE WILL SEE YOU, WHEN YOU COME, IN YOUR GLORY, LORD, WE REMEMBER, WE CELEBRATE, WE BELIEVE.
I was brought to tears because I cannot phantom how my god can come and die for me.
It goes against Nature, this whole act.
I can almost scream, NOOOOOOOOO, dont do it. I dont deserve it.
And yet, after praying so fervently in the garden, he accepted god's will.
It was also until last night that i realised when god said he will passover the houses whose lamps were painted with blood did the festival of passover orginate.
And then at this all great feast, where Jews celebrate god's great mercy towards them, jesus ate his last meal. and after which his blood was used to save the rest of the world, and we no longer need to smear animal blood on our doors.
i am so so awestruck by scripture, esp how all the things of the past, like 1000BC, can all link to Jesus's actions.
Its unbelieveable.
just based on facts, i wonder why people do not believe.
its SO OBVIOUS TO ME that jesus is THE messiah.
And when watching the passion, i realised that Judas was not the scapegoat that i have viewed him as all along.
God didnt make him the scapegoat because so many others could recognise Jesus and wouldn not even need the temptation of money to point out jesus. However, Judas in his own free will, decided to do so. When scripture says that someone was to betray jesus, it was the crowd, and from the crowd, judas just happened to be the one who made the concious decicion to betray god.
amen amen.
there is much hope in our lives because jesus is our king.
INRI, indeed
Holy Week Reflection
This is slightly overdue considering Good Friday is tom. Actually there are couple of overdue sharings but I shall start with this one. Better late than never =)
I was listening to my songs the other day and I came across “Mary did you know” (see lyrics). And I was reminded (naturally) of the rehearsals and dance; and Steven’s sharing (how God saved his life – literally, took him out of depression and healed him) and Ethan Nehemiah’s baptism… but one image caught my attention. The image of Kenny (acting Jesus in the dance) hanging his head on the cross at the lines “This sleeping child you’re holding… is the Great I AM”
You know, just not too long ago we were doing all we can – praying, reflecting, even shopping, and writing cards - to capture the whole essence of the birth of Jesus. And the joy of it all. But we were also reminded then, through this song and dance that this birth we were welcoming was the same great Jesus that would die for us on the cross.
And this time is here once again where we recall not only his death but his passion and love for each of us. And its true, nothing you can do to make Him love you more.
And I am thankful for finding this love.
While reflecting on the passage of the prodigal son, it was not the part where the son decided to return home or the part where the father ran to the son that caught my attention. It was when the younger son “waited to feed on the husks that the swine fed on” that made me think. I realized that while we turned away from God’s love and we seek other things for comfort or happiness, the emptiness could never be filled – just like how the son waited for someone to feed him but was never filled.
So, are we like the younger son awaiting to fill our emptiness? Are we seeking things that could never fill us? Or have we returned to the Father already?
I pray that this Good Friday we may embrace our dying Jesus and remember He is truly the great I AM.
Rachelle
I was listening to my songs the other day and I came across “Mary did you know” (see lyrics). And I was reminded (naturally) of the rehearsals and dance; and Steven’s sharing (how God saved his life – literally, took him out of depression and healed him) and Ethan Nehemiah’s baptism… but one image caught my attention. The image of Kenny (acting Jesus in the dance) hanging his head on the cross at the lines “This sleeping child you’re holding… is the Great I AM”
You know, just not too long ago we were doing all we can – praying, reflecting, even shopping, and writing cards - to capture the whole essence of the birth of Jesus. And the joy of it all. But we were also reminded then, through this song and dance that this birth we were welcoming was the same great Jesus that would die for us on the cross.
And this time is here once again where we recall not only his death but his passion and love for each of us. And its true, nothing you can do to make Him love you more.
And I am thankful for finding this love.
While reflecting on the passage of the prodigal son, it was not the part where the son decided to return home or the part where the father ran to the son that caught my attention. It was when the younger son “waited to feed on the husks that the swine fed on” that made me think. I realized that while we turned away from God’s love and we seek other things for comfort or happiness, the emptiness could never be filled – just like how the son waited for someone to feed him but was never filled.
So, are we like the younger son awaiting to fill our emptiness? Are we seeking things that could never fill us? Or have we returned to the Father already?
I pray that this Good Friday we may embrace our dying Jesus and remember He is truly the great I AM.
Rachelle
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Living life now here today
below is a fantastic sharing from PDL daily devotional.
You know how we always look back and went Awwww Army was how fun. Awwww JC was how fun and so on and we are always reminiscing the past and never apprecicating the present.
Thats why a year or so ago, i told myself i dont care. i am going to enjoy myself everywhwere anywhere now now now.
And its amazing how my life changed for the better! I appreciate small things i have and i praise god for the difficulties too(sometimes after being angry though) haha.
So spend some time and read below!
“For I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11 NIV)
Community — Have you ever been somewhere you didn’t want to be? Maybe it was a job, a town, or a marriage. Maybe it was a stage in life, like singlehood, or a state in life, like a disability. It’s very possible that as you read this, you’re wishing you were somewhere else – anywhere else – living a different life, but you know it’s not likely that anything is going to change any time soon.
God has a word for you. It’s the same word he gave a group of people when they were stuck in another country, exiled from their homeland. They’d folded their arms and said, “We’re going to wait this thing out, and when we get home, we’ll start living our lives.”
Through the prophet Jeremiah, God told them, “You’re not going home any time soon, so start making your lives here. Plant gardens, buy homes, let your children get married, and pray for the peace and prosperity of the place where you’re currently living because, by doing that, you too will be blessed with peace and prosperity.”
To use a modern cliché, God was saying, “Bloom where you’re planted.”
Don’t invest your energy in hopes of leaving; instead invest your energy in the people around you. The Christian martyr Jim Eliot expressed it this way: “Wherever you are, be all there.” Don’t be physically present but mentally somewhere else, thinking of the future or the past, thinking of someplace else. Our journey with Christ requires that we be fully present in the present.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer called it “this worldliness,” and said, “It is only by living completely in this world that one learns to live by faith.” This focus allows you to see that your life is centered in God and not the place you live or work, not the person you’re married to – or not married to – not how you feel or how you look.
Investing in the people around you is exactly how you find life. Jeremiah even told the exiles that God had arranged for them to be in exile. So it was God’s plan all along to push them to the edge of their existence, so they would end up centered solely on God.
You may feel like you’re in exile too, but God is still working in your life; and his message to you is: Dig in and fully embrace the life around you.
So What?
· Center your life in God, not in your circumstances. God is constant; your circumstances are temporary. Ask God, “What do you want me to learn or to do in these present circumstances.”
· Change me, God – Instead of asking God to change your circumstances, ask him to change you in the circumstances.
· Practice being in the present – Today, whenever you find your mind drifting to another place, bring it back to the present, and ask God to help you stay in the present.
· Determine to be a good steward of what you have, instead of focusing on what you don’t have. Make the most of what God has given you.
Raymond
You know how we always look back and went Awwww Army was how fun. Awwww JC was how fun and so on and we are always reminiscing the past and never apprecicating the present.
Thats why a year or so ago, i told myself i dont care. i am going to enjoy myself everywhwere anywhere now now now.
And its amazing how my life changed for the better! I appreciate small things i have and i praise god for the difficulties too(sometimes after being angry though) haha.
So spend some time and read below!
“For I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances.” (Philippians 4:11 NIV)
Community — Have you ever been somewhere you didn’t want to be? Maybe it was a job, a town, or a marriage. Maybe it was a stage in life, like singlehood, or a state in life, like a disability. It’s very possible that as you read this, you’re wishing you were somewhere else – anywhere else – living a different life, but you know it’s not likely that anything is going to change any time soon.
God has a word for you. It’s the same word he gave a group of people when they were stuck in another country, exiled from their homeland. They’d folded their arms and said, “We’re going to wait this thing out, and when we get home, we’ll start living our lives.”
Through the prophet Jeremiah, God told them, “You’re not going home any time soon, so start making your lives here. Plant gardens, buy homes, let your children get married, and pray for the peace and prosperity of the place where you’re currently living because, by doing that, you too will be blessed with peace and prosperity.”
To use a modern cliché, God was saying, “Bloom where you’re planted.”
Don’t invest your energy in hopes of leaving; instead invest your energy in the people around you. The Christian martyr Jim Eliot expressed it this way: “Wherever you are, be all there.” Don’t be physically present but mentally somewhere else, thinking of the future or the past, thinking of someplace else. Our journey with Christ requires that we be fully present in the present.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer called it “this worldliness,” and said, “It is only by living completely in this world that one learns to live by faith.” This focus allows you to see that your life is centered in God and not the place you live or work, not the person you’re married to – or not married to – not how you feel or how you look.
Investing in the people around you is exactly how you find life. Jeremiah even told the exiles that God had arranged for them to be in exile. So it was God’s plan all along to push them to the edge of their existence, so they would end up centered solely on God.
You may feel like you’re in exile too, but God is still working in your life; and his message to you is: Dig in and fully embrace the life around you.
So What?
· Center your life in God, not in your circumstances. God is constant; your circumstances are temporary. Ask God, “What do you want me to learn or to do in these present circumstances.”
· Change me, God – Instead of asking God to change your circumstances, ask him to change you in the circumstances.
· Practice being in the present – Today, whenever you find your mind drifting to another place, bring it back to the present, and ask God to help you stay in the present.
· Determine to be a good steward of what you have, instead of focusing on what you don’t have. Make the most of what God has given you.
Raymond
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Stressed over exams?
Wow friends. I really get so uplifted visting blog to blog and everyone is praising god? AMEN!
Despite all my work, I am also looking forward to spending time in church on thurs fri sat sun and i think its going to be a leap of faith for me, to leave behind work to be with the Lord.
Anyway i once saw a shirt at New Creation Church and it says too blessed to be stressed! And i was like HUH? Possible meh? Must be some crap slogan again hahahah. And guess what, i am reading this book by my fav christian author, Rick Warren!!! And he says we are stressed when we do not seek God's help and if we are trying to be someone we are not. And i reflected deeply and i realised in certain aspects of my life, i am trying to be someone i am not. and by surrendering slowly, hopefully i can simply embrace myself and love god more! yay.
anyway i read so many good books by rick warren and i go, "oh man, if only the community reads about it!!!" and guess what, i am going to recommend book sharing! there is so much knowledge we can pick up from books i tell you... And its basically 5 mins and u just share about the most salient points in the book!
Anyway, my committment to the Lord is to start reading the whole of ACTS OF THE APOSTLE once exams are over which is next WED. yay. and its the first time i am going to read the whole book in the bible and i am looking forward.
take care frens.
i miss u all!
raymond
Despite all my work, I am also looking forward to spending time in church on thurs fri sat sun and i think its going to be a leap of faith for me, to leave behind work to be with the Lord.
Anyway i once saw a shirt at New Creation Church and it says too blessed to be stressed! And i was like HUH? Possible meh? Must be some crap slogan again hahahah. And guess what, i am reading this book by my fav christian author, Rick Warren!!! And he says we are stressed when we do not seek God's help and if we are trying to be someone we are not. And i reflected deeply and i realised in certain aspects of my life, i am trying to be someone i am not. and by surrendering slowly, hopefully i can simply embrace myself and love god more! yay.
anyway i read so many good books by rick warren and i go, "oh man, if only the community reads about it!!!" and guess what, i am going to recommend book sharing! there is so much knowledge we can pick up from books i tell you... And its basically 5 mins and u just share about the most salient points in the book!
Anyway, my committment to the Lord is to start reading the whole of ACTS OF THE APOSTLE once exams are over which is next WED. yay. and its the first time i am going to read the whole book in the bible and i am looking forward.
take care frens.
i miss u all!
raymond
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Youth in the Spirit Seminar
Quite a no of us are interested and some have already signed up.
The rest of you, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?
Friday, March 30, 2007
Do you desire true transformation?
I refer to Melch’s sharing “His love will lead the way” (www.msccgsharing.blogspot.com). Their blog is way cooler and more inspiring ha.
It reminded me of Alvin’s nominee sharing:
“I've been asking God repeatedly for transformation, transformation and transformation. And with that means a surrender to His plans.”
I can understand when he cries for transformation. For many, and I mean many years, I have asked God for a transformation and time again I have failed to live up to my beliefs and I have failed to be faithful.
But when the time came when I decided to let go of certain aspects of my life, God showed me many more of his wonders and revealed to me much more of His love and grace. It was then that I saw transformation in myself – in the way I think and the way I react. And in the way I seek Him.
Not that I am all perfect now. Infact, reading Steven’s sharing “Can’t think of a title” brings back many memories of similar struggles I had – I think it’s the same for all of us – and I don’t think I have the full answers of how I overcame these struggles (if I even did) but they just seem small now when you choose to hang on and rely on God alone.
I believe God will give us true transformation if we but surrender to our deepest desires – that is to be close to Him and love Him. We must learn to let go of things in our lives. No more buts, just pray and let go. We were after all made in His image, made to worship and love Him. Him alone.
My prayer every morning now is that I would love Him more than myself, and more than anyone or anything else. Its difficult. But I have to hold firm.
Rachelle
It reminded me of Alvin’s nominee sharing:
“I've been asking God repeatedly for transformation, transformation and transformation. And with that means a surrender to His plans.”
I can understand when he cries for transformation. For many, and I mean many years, I have asked God for a transformation and time again I have failed to live up to my beliefs and I have failed to be faithful.
But when the time came when I decided to let go of certain aspects of my life, God showed me many more of his wonders and revealed to me much more of His love and grace. It was then that I saw transformation in myself – in the way I think and the way I react. And in the way I seek Him.
Not that I am all perfect now. Infact, reading Steven’s sharing “Can’t think of a title” brings back many memories of similar struggles I had – I think it’s the same for all of us – and I don’t think I have the full answers of how I overcame these struggles (if I even did) but they just seem small now when you choose to hang on and rely on God alone.
I believe God will give us true transformation if we but surrender to our deepest desires – that is to be close to Him and love Him. We must learn to let go of things in our lives. No more buts, just pray and let go. We were after all made in His image, made to worship and love Him. Him alone.
My prayer every morning now is that I would love Him more than myself, and more than anyone or anything else. Its difficult. But I have to hold firm.
Rachelle
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Community has decided....
Hi BASIC.
A little background info first.
I was wondering yesterday when the steering comm. told me that nominees cannot opt out of the election because THE COMMUNITY HAS DECIDED.
At first, I was reflecting on why the elected Pope is first asked if he is willing to take up the job. Why not “force” him into the job since everyone thinks he is most suited for the job? Surely it must be God’s plan for him to be pope!
Then I begin to ponder on whether God, above all other people, would let his elected know whether he is the chosen one. Surely, I thought.
I then went on to think about community’s decision. We have always struggled with the issue of discernment. So why are we so fixed on the decision we made if we cant be so sure? It sure sounds like how the pope insisted that the world was flat and locked Galileo up in jail.
Last week, I was talking to a community member. And she agreed with me that sometimes we say things like we are sure but actually we are not quite sure.
This is meant to be a sharing. NOT a revolt against the steering comm. or anything like this at all yeah! It is just to make us think: how can we be so sure, that we are right and that is what god wants us to do. It’s the whole big question of what is discernment, and the fact that we are trying to discern if we have the gift of discernment at all.
Praise god
Raymond
A little background info first.
I was wondering yesterday when the steering comm. told me that nominees cannot opt out of the election because THE COMMUNITY HAS DECIDED.
At first, I was reflecting on why the elected Pope is first asked if he is willing to take up the job. Why not “force” him into the job since everyone thinks he is most suited for the job? Surely it must be God’s plan for him to be pope!
Then I begin to ponder on whether God, above all other people, would let his elected know whether he is the chosen one. Surely, I thought.
I then went on to think about community’s decision. We have always struggled with the issue of discernment. So why are we so fixed on the decision we made if we cant be so sure? It sure sounds like how the pope insisted that the world was flat and locked Galileo up in jail.
Last week, I was talking to a community member. And she agreed with me that sometimes we say things like we are sure but actually we are not quite sure.
This is meant to be a sharing. NOT a revolt against the steering comm. or anything like this at all yeah! It is just to make us think: how can we be so sure, that we are right and that is what god wants us to do. It’s the whole big question of what is discernment, and the fact that we are trying to discern if we have the gift of discernment at all.
Praise god
Raymond
Monday, March 26, 2007
Nomination Sunday, powerful P and W by michelle and inspiring sharing by jonathon
many thanks to jonathon for the wonderful sharing!
i was busy taking down points cause i was so mesmerised and touched by his sharing.
and i wanna share it with the rest, esp those who werent there, or came late.
We are children of God. We have nothing to prove. We so not deserve to be loved. yet he loves us.
Jonathon went on to share that when his daughter sees him, she waves her hand wildly and he puts aside all things to go and hug her. that was her way of showing that she loved her father. similarly, during P and W, when we raised our hands, god comes to hug us as our ever loving father.
Thank you father for your limitless love!
Jonathon also shared about how he saw the child-like-ness is us esp when we sing stupid songs and do stupid actions haha and i was so happy when i heard that. i think we have been bashing ourselves so much that now even i feel its hard to see the many goods things in community. in a certain sense, it used to be:
A: "wow... msc..."
Me: "yeah, msc rocks."
NOW>...
A: "wow...msc..."
Me: "huh? we good meh? whats good. nothing what. we are in the dumps. we feel like crap"
I think we need more affirmation from outside, and more importantly from within the community.
we need to pray and ask god to open our eyes to the many blessings and gifts in community and in every aspect of our lives!
jonathon then went on to share about his community and in my mind i was like YEah i wanna be like them
1) Accountability
before they go for holidays, they will have to check with community to see if there are any community events.
for us, even studying is a muchly accepted excuse.
let us reflect.
OH... i was at meeting.
MSC: OK.
EV: what meeting? is it that impt that you went for that meeting over community? (some of you might be uncomfortable with such questioning. me too. but i want it. cause i know i need it to go deeper)
2) reconciliation between community members
if i am angry with you, i call u to meet up and i bash you up and u listen
then u bash me up and i listen
and we talk and talk and talk WITH LOVE until we come to a conclusion and we make peace.
in EV, they even go to the extent of stoopping P and W until their members are at peace with each other.
WOW. Simply, WOW.
3) Challenging and permission to correct each other
In EV, when u join, u give everyone the right to correct you.
Now, i declare that i give u the right to correct me, each and everyone of you.
In fact, i beg u to.
In conclusion, jesus should pervade your whole life.
if people do not see a differnce in your life, maybe you need to change the way you are living community.
So, let our lives change.
do you friends remember u as a catholic or THE catholic.
If its a, maybe we have failed.
the more u give, the more u receive.
If you feel you have not received much, then maybe its time to reflect on yourself.
Praise God, always, friends!
Raymond Raphael.
i was busy taking down points cause i was so mesmerised and touched by his sharing.
and i wanna share it with the rest, esp those who werent there, or came late.
We are children of God. We have nothing to prove. We so not deserve to be loved. yet he loves us.
Jonathon went on to share that when his daughter sees him, she waves her hand wildly and he puts aside all things to go and hug her. that was her way of showing that she loved her father. similarly, during P and W, when we raised our hands, god comes to hug us as our ever loving father.
Thank you father for your limitless love!
Jonathon also shared about how he saw the child-like-ness is us esp when we sing stupid songs and do stupid actions haha and i was so happy when i heard that. i think we have been bashing ourselves so much that now even i feel its hard to see the many goods things in community. in a certain sense, it used to be:
A: "wow... msc..."
Me: "yeah, msc rocks."
NOW>...
A: "wow...msc..."
Me: "huh? we good meh? whats good. nothing what. we are in the dumps. we feel like crap"
I think we need more affirmation from outside, and more importantly from within the community.
we need to pray and ask god to open our eyes to the many blessings and gifts in community and in every aspect of our lives!
jonathon then went on to share about his community and in my mind i was like YEah i wanna be like them
1) Accountability
before they go for holidays, they will have to check with community to see if there are any community events.
for us, even studying is a muchly accepted excuse.
let us reflect.
OH... i was at meeting.
MSC: OK.
EV: what meeting? is it that impt that you went for that meeting over community? (some of you might be uncomfortable with such questioning. me too. but i want it. cause i know i need it to go deeper)
2) reconciliation between community members
if i am angry with you, i call u to meet up and i bash you up and u listen
then u bash me up and i listen
and we talk and talk and talk WITH LOVE until we come to a conclusion and we make peace.
in EV, they even go to the extent of stoopping P and W until their members are at peace with each other.
WOW. Simply, WOW.
3) Challenging and permission to correct each other
In EV, when u join, u give everyone the right to correct you.
Now, i declare that i give u the right to correct me, each and everyone of you.
In fact, i beg u to.
In conclusion, jesus should pervade your whole life.
if people do not see a differnce in your life, maybe you need to change the way you are living community.
So, let our lives change.
do you friends remember u as a catholic or THE catholic.
If its a, maybe we have failed.
the more u give, the more u receive.
If you feel you have not received much, then maybe its time to reflect on yourself.
Praise God, always, friends!
Raymond Raphael.
Saturday, March 24, 2007
invasion of the best kind!
hello second best cell group!!!!! invasion from the good, better and best cell group!!!! wahahahahahhahaah! i have abducted a member of your cell group. he is sitting next to me now at coffeebean. i believe he is called justin!
anyway, it's a really beautiful sunday morning and i cant wait for retreat later!!! have faith, everyone!! it's all good! praise god!!!
i love you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
=)
-shireen
anyway, it's a really beautiful sunday morning and i cant wait for retreat later!!! have faith, everyone!! it's all good! praise god!!!
i love you all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
=)
-shireen
Friday, March 23, 2007
Are you lonely?
God is awesome. He speaks to you in the most amazing ways.
I hope to share with you what I learnt over the morning, and in turn, hope that some light may be revealed to you.
This morning I was reading our sister blog (msccgsharing.blogspot.com) and the different sharing on relationships struck me. One particular one on the fear of being alone caught my eye. As some of you had the chance to hear me whine on Tues, I realized I am 25 this year, not 24 as I thought I still was. And I remember only being 23 yesterday.
Point is - I will be 30 in 5 years time.
But that does not scare me. I have been happy with the way things are, with being alone, with who I am now, with being ‘free’, with not looking for a partner urgently, with no desire to get settled…and this scares me. Yes, that fact that I am not looking scares me. Will I be so happy-go-lucky only to find myself at 30 maybe 40 and still be alone?
This thought ran through my head again this morning but it was answered at lunch.
Casual lunch with a colleague found us talking about her current relationship and her intentions to get married. And she said one thing that struck me very deeply. She said that before she got attached, she was happy being alone, she felt secure and complete and she did not need another half to make her complete.
It didn’t take me long to realize that she's Christian. I was just sitting there wondering if a person who has not found God would be able to say the same. Yes, her words were the exact words a child of God would say – simply because she is secure and complete in God alone.
And I realized I feel ‘ok’ being alone and not too eager to find a partner because I have, over the years learnt to claim my title as a daughter of God. Indeed, many times I am still concern about looks and actions and concerned about what others think of me, but I have also learnt to let go of the opinions of others. And I thank God for making me feel loved. I really do.
5 years down I might still find myself alone and I might start to ‘struggle’ again but for now, I am happy and I know because I feel complete in His love and in Him alone.
Loneliness is a reality. But it can also be a devil’s work. And for those of us who are struggling, may we turn to God in prayer and ask what He has installed for us. Single hood is a vocation after all.
Loves. Rachelle.
I hope to share with you what I learnt over the morning, and in turn, hope that some light may be revealed to you.
This morning I was reading our sister blog (msccgsharing.blogspot.com) and the different sharing on relationships struck me. One particular one on the fear of being alone caught my eye. As some of you had the chance to hear me whine on Tues, I realized I am 25 this year, not 24 as I thought I still was. And I remember only being 23 yesterday.
Point is - I will be 30 in 5 years time.
But that does not scare me. I have been happy with the way things are, with being alone, with who I am now, with being ‘free’, with not looking for a partner urgently, with no desire to get settled…and this scares me. Yes, that fact that I am not looking scares me. Will I be so happy-go-lucky only to find myself at 30 maybe 40 and still be alone?
This thought ran through my head again this morning but it was answered at lunch.
Casual lunch with a colleague found us talking about her current relationship and her intentions to get married. And she said one thing that struck me very deeply. She said that before she got attached, she was happy being alone, she felt secure and complete and she did not need another half to make her complete.
It didn’t take me long to realize that she's Christian. I was just sitting there wondering if a person who has not found God would be able to say the same. Yes, her words were the exact words a child of God would say – simply because she is secure and complete in God alone.
And I realized I feel ‘ok’ being alone and not too eager to find a partner because I have, over the years learnt to claim my title as a daughter of God. Indeed, many times I am still concern about looks and actions and concerned about what others think of me, but I have also learnt to let go of the opinions of others. And I thank God for making me feel loved. I really do.
5 years down I might still find myself alone and I might start to ‘struggle’ again but for now, I am happy and I know because I feel complete in His love and in Him alone.
Loneliness is a reality. But it can also be a devil’s work. And for those of us who are struggling, may we turn to God in prayer and ask what He has installed for us. Single hood is a vocation after all.
Loves. Rachelle.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Bangkok Trip
Friends, this is open to the whole community at large!
since some of us are already going to bangkok for the jesus youth, must as well extend and go shopping and beach resort RIGHT?
so this is the plan. those who are interested let me know asap.
there are 6 people going for Zion's Joy and i will be inviting them on this extended trip too yay
28thapril to 1may (afternoon) jesus youth BANGKOK
1may to 3may (night) Phuket or some other resort we can decide later
because it doesnt affect air tickets!
4may(morning we reach then can save one night hotel stay YAY!) to 6th
may bangkok.
that means 6th may we fly evening and reach singapore around 8pm?
SOUNDS DAMN EXCITING!!!!
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST $600 only! must go. dont go can die.
since some of us are already going to bangkok for the jesus youth, must as well extend and go shopping and beach resort RIGHT?
so this is the plan. those who are interested let me know asap.
there are 6 people going for Zion's Joy and i will be inviting them on this extended trip too yay
28thapril to 1may (afternoon) jesus youth BANGKOK
1may to 3may (night) Phuket or some other resort we can decide later
because it doesnt affect air tickets!
4may(morning we reach then can save one night hotel stay YAY!) to 6th
may bangkok.
that means 6th may we fly evening and reach singapore around 8pm?
SOUNDS DAMN EXCITING!!!!
TOTAL ESTIMATED COST $600 only! must go. dont go can die.
Gospel of St Luke 9:58-62
We always knew that the word of God is alive. Indeed, in times when these words speak straight to your heart, you are in awe.
Below is a combi of teaching (from the St Luke's Gospel class) and my own reflection.
It also speaks of the hardships of discipleship and apostolic calling - the inconveniences and hardships we have to face.
"Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head"
The Son of man indeed has many insecurities. This is taken care by God on a higher level, but being human his securities are also taken care of by people who welcomes him into their lives and homes - which is the Christian community. I too, find my security in the community, a place where I can truly bare my soul. This further affirmed me of the very existence of this community - to provide a place where people can be true, a place where people are challenged, where people grow and where birds can dwell in.
I recall some months back someone very discouragingly told me that "the community is straying but i hope you stay with me to only change ourselves". To only change ourselves. That is it. If we want this to work out, we must own it and it must come from within. Only when we start to change and give, can we start to find support in the Christian community to walk this road.
"Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God"
Here, Jesus is not saying "Don't bury your dead father or your dead mother". Infact it was then a good work of the Jews to give others (relatives and strangers) a decent burial. Death comes in 2 forms, physical and spiritual. Here, "dead" refers to those who are spiritually dead, so let the spiritually dead take care of their own. Our role as a disciple is to proclaim the Kingdom of God, esp to those who are not yet dead.
As for those who are dead, DO NOT force, but let God take care of them. This teaching is very profound, because tendancy of me (am sure we all too) is to preach and desperately try to wake up the 'dead'. But here, we are taught NOT to force the dead and LET GOD TAKE CARE. So i reflected on the many whom i tried so hard to talk too and got depressed thereafter. I shall learn to let go and only pray for them while I let God take control and I continue to proclaim the Kingdom of God to the rest of the world.
"No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God"
Try imagining someone plowing the fields and looking at something behind.. what would happen? He would definitely go off course. I was reminded once again not to look back, not to look back at anything but to keep my eyes ahead and keep focus.
To end, not sure if this entry does justice to my inner most feelings but i was definitely awed. The word of God is indeed alive and living. I hope you would join me at class next Tuesday to experience this for yourself.
Rachelle
Below is a combi of teaching (from the St Luke's Gospel class) and my own reflection.
It also speaks of the hardships of discipleship and apostolic calling - the inconveniences and hardships we have to face.
"Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay his head"
The Son of man indeed has many insecurities. This is taken care by God on a higher level, but being human his securities are also taken care of by people who welcomes him into their lives and homes - which is the Christian community. I too, find my security in the community, a place where I can truly bare my soul. This further affirmed me of the very existence of this community - to provide a place where people can be true, a place where people are challenged, where people grow and where birds can dwell in.
I recall some months back someone very discouragingly told me that "the community is straying but i hope you stay with me to only change ourselves". To only change ourselves. That is it. If we want this to work out, we must own it and it must come from within. Only when we start to change and give, can we start to find support in the Christian community to walk this road.
"Leave the dead to bury their own dead; but as for you, go and proclaim the kingdom of God"
Here, Jesus is not saying "Don't bury your dead father or your dead mother". Infact it was then a good work of the Jews to give others (relatives and strangers) a decent burial. Death comes in 2 forms, physical and spiritual. Here, "dead" refers to those who are spiritually dead, so let the spiritually dead take care of their own. Our role as a disciple is to proclaim the Kingdom of God, esp to those who are not yet dead.
As for those who are dead, DO NOT force, but let God take care of them. This teaching is very profound, because tendancy of me (am sure we all too) is to preach and desperately try to wake up the 'dead'. But here, we are taught NOT to force the dead and LET GOD TAKE CARE. So i reflected on the many whom i tried so hard to talk too and got depressed thereafter. I shall learn to let go and only pray for them while I let God take control and I continue to proclaim the Kingdom of God to the rest of the world.
"No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God"
Try imagining someone plowing the fields and looking at something behind.. what would happen? He would definitely go off course. I was reminded once again not to look back, not to look back at anything but to keep my eyes ahead and keep focus.
To end, not sure if this entry does justice to my inner most feelings but i was definitely awed. The word of God is indeed alive and living. I hope you would join me at class next Tuesday to experience this for yourself.
Rachelle
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
FRIDAY STATIONS AND MASS
Heh there, anyone interested in attending stations and mass on Friday?
Then we can go have dinner together too!
Meet in church at 6pm!
See ya
Then we can go have dinner together too!
Meet in church at 6pm!
See ya
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
Monday, March 19, 2007
I am so excited about Jesus Youth!
yay!
steven, jeanette, colin and myself might be going to the Jesus Youth Conference in Bangkok.
I know its gonna be a blast!
who else wants to go?
(cant imagine anyone whose heart didnt flutter when they heard of this opportunity!)
anyway i will be extending my trip with some smu and some msc friends.
21st-24th bangkok shopping
24th to 28th Phuket beach resort
28th to 1st may Assumption University.
WOOT WOOT!
steven, jeanette, colin and myself might be going to the Jesus Youth Conference in Bangkok.
I know its gonna be a blast!
who else wants to go?
(cant imagine anyone whose heart didnt flutter when they heard of this opportunity!)
anyway i will be extending my trip with some smu and some msc friends.
21st-24th bangkok shopping
24th to 28th Phuket beach resort
28th to 1st may Assumption University.
WOOT WOOT!
Grab the bull by the Horn and call it quits?
Perhaps it's the breath of fresh air of the early morn or the certain special grace of inspiration from our Beloved Lord that I have decided to pent my thoughts whatever comes to mind...at random...
Life has been pretty peaceful, not too much of a drama in my personal life, but ya, liked it..(too much drama causes alcers...kidding.)
Only perhaps this very one episode that I had yesterday, it was kinda funny come to think of it. I actually went down to my dental checkup at mount elizabeth. Some of you might remember that I had my braces on..Lord knows how long has it been..hehe yah, it's been fun having my braces done..those were the days..well anyway, so i went. As i went in, there's this nurse who always had this certain kind of attitude that is pretty disturbing. Not only that, I was actually bumped out of my appointment once again. Its the third time in a role mind you. I was really was up to my neck. But I prayed to remain calm as usual.Would you believed it that even I haven't been back for months after those couple of incidents, and they didn't even bother to follow up after my stint with them at the clinic. Believed me, I had been pretty patient all these well, but yesterday I can't resist it any longer that I really blew my top off. I called back and told them off. In a firm voice as much as I can with hold and I said" if that was the kind of service i'm getting, It's either I am issuing a complaint letter or I am demanding a full refund!" Wow, that really struck a note. The nurse suddenly became really super nice to me and even got me a real fixed appointment on the very next day!It's either really sad or really funny just to think about it..in a cynical way perhaps.When one is nice, they take you for granted. When one suddenly decided to pull out the "complaint" card, thats's when they start being super nice to you. Really a wonder, what have the world become of these days. I might be ranting my mind off but infact I am actually finding it pretty funny.Pray that I really can get my teeth checked this time. I love You Lord, I really do! Please forgive me!In Your most Holy and Precious name. Amen
With the love of Christ,
Suzanne
Life has been pretty peaceful, not too much of a drama in my personal life, but ya, liked it..(too much drama causes alcers...kidding.)
Only perhaps this very one episode that I had yesterday, it was kinda funny come to think of it. I actually went down to my dental checkup at mount elizabeth. Some of you might remember that I had my braces on..Lord knows how long has it been..hehe yah, it's been fun having my braces done..those were the days..well anyway, so i went. As i went in, there's this nurse who always had this certain kind of attitude that is pretty disturbing. Not only that, I was actually bumped out of my appointment once again. Its the third time in a role mind you. I was really was up to my neck. But I prayed to remain calm as usual.Would you believed it that even I haven't been back for months after those couple of incidents, and they didn't even bother to follow up after my stint with them at the clinic. Believed me, I had been pretty patient all these well, but yesterday I can't resist it any longer that I really blew my top off. I called back and told them off. In a firm voice as much as I can with hold and I said" if that was the kind of service i'm getting, It's either I am issuing a complaint letter or I am demanding a full refund!" Wow, that really struck a note. The nurse suddenly became really super nice to me and even got me a real fixed appointment on the very next day!It's either really sad or really funny just to think about it..in a cynical way perhaps.When one is nice, they take you for granted. When one suddenly decided to pull out the "complaint" card, thats's when they start being super nice to you. Really a wonder, what have the world become of these days. I might be ranting my mind off but infact I am actually finding it pretty funny.Pray that I really can get my teeth checked this time. I love You Lord, I really do! Please forgive me!In Your most Holy and Precious name. Amen
With the love of Christ,
Suzanne
Sunday, March 18, 2007
"Ecce Homo"
Behold the Man. Pope John Paul said in his reflections that when Pontious Pilate announced this, he unconsciouly declared the true man. One stripped of the veneers of the flesh, of pride and of sin. One that looked horrific, but one that was authentic.
Lent forces us into certain states of spirtituality. For some, we're thrown into deserts, looking for a resurrection. For others, it may be constant onslaught of temptations. And yet, for others, it may be another form of a desert: plain, banal and aloof- nothing much is done because it appears nothing much can be done.
Nevertheless, its when we take a look at the True Man,and see in ourselves the layers and layers we havent 'flogged' ourselves off yet; the layers of sin, pride and vanity, the resistance to love and forgive, to trust and run the risk of having shared what was precious discarded, that we finally begin a journey of what Jean Varnier calls, "Becoming Human".
I thought its necessary to have this sharing. Simply because unless i do so, no concrete decisions can be made.
I am inching my way back. Yes, inching. Not full fledged re-immersion, yet.
I see it is really quite pointless of me to point the finger from afar. I think if any change should come; it should come from within. And that being said, it would not make sense if i did not rejoin msc. So yes, i am coming back.
The reason why i have to inch back, was partly because i believe a certain sense of conviction have to begin growing (if it hasnt, already). So i would call for a certain empathy. Just as you all have so graciously given when i walked out, i would so humbly require when i walk back in.
Reality Check:
We are all in a certain search, arent we? We are all drawn to the idea of the eternal- concealed in various packages. For some its family, for some its success, for others its friends. And perhaps most in msc are drawn to the idea of the eternal concealed in the form of community. Placing the right bets on life, are everything.
Yet, the eternal makes certain demands. Demands of authenticity that warrants pain. Yes, life somehow has a vitriolic way of bringing out the best. But i think that there is consolation. Consolation from a common humanity-that the person sitting in front, praying on the left, gossiping on the right, and laughing at the back, are all people. People where emotions dwell, where hurts fester and where histories lay concealed.
The short reflection on "ECCE HOMO", tells us that community is essentially where we find our true nature- in the form of a battered man adorned with a crown of thorns. And loving ourselves demand such purity. Away from what people think, away from our insecurities and fears, and into the light of freedom.. that is the steps christians have to embark upon.
I read a priest's dialogue with the Dalai Lama. He said somehting rather fascinating. "truth without the warmth of human friendship, is but a pale shadow of reality" In other words, this authenticity i speak of, must not be independent of the relationships that dwell in community. We must have people alongside, urging us with a certain effusiveness, to make our lives whole again.
Thus, with such a heavy responisibility, where each person is another's soteriological 'benefactor', do we still dare to be wayward in our attitudes to Christ and his demands? How can we still look on, and not be moved? How can we remain as the hard ground that do not germinate seeds? Recall the daunting and yet exciting task each of us has, to bring the "israelites out of slavery".
Thus, there is a certain excitement in finding my way back. It wasnt so much a detour than an excursion. A trip around to learn. The time away has hardly been wasted, actually(haha contrary to popular belief). There's been much i have been doing, and well for once, it feels more of a life than it ever has been. I will share in detail soon.
God bless
Marcus
Behold the Man. Pope John Paul said in his reflections that when Pontious Pilate announced this, he unconsciouly declared the true man. One stripped of the veneers of the flesh, of pride and of sin. One that looked horrific, but one that was authentic.
Lent forces us into certain states of spirtituality. For some, we're thrown into deserts, looking for a resurrection. For others, it may be constant onslaught of temptations. And yet, for others, it may be another form of a desert: plain, banal and aloof- nothing much is done because it appears nothing much can be done.
Nevertheless, its when we take a look at the True Man,and see in ourselves the layers and layers we havent 'flogged' ourselves off yet; the layers of sin, pride and vanity, the resistance to love and forgive, to trust and run the risk of having shared what was precious discarded, that we finally begin a journey of what Jean Varnier calls, "Becoming Human".
I thought its necessary to have this sharing. Simply because unless i do so, no concrete decisions can be made.
I am inching my way back. Yes, inching. Not full fledged re-immersion, yet.
I see it is really quite pointless of me to point the finger from afar. I think if any change should come; it should come from within. And that being said, it would not make sense if i did not rejoin msc. So yes, i am coming back.
The reason why i have to inch back, was partly because i believe a certain sense of conviction have to begin growing (if it hasnt, already). So i would call for a certain empathy. Just as you all have so graciously given when i walked out, i would so humbly require when i walk back in.
Reality Check:
We are all in a certain search, arent we? We are all drawn to the idea of the eternal- concealed in various packages. For some its family, for some its success, for others its friends. And perhaps most in msc are drawn to the idea of the eternal concealed in the form of community. Placing the right bets on life, are everything.
Yet, the eternal makes certain demands. Demands of authenticity that warrants pain. Yes, life somehow has a vitriolic way of bringing out the best. But i think that there is consolation. Consolation from a common humanity-that the person sitting in front, praying on the left, gossiping on the right, and laughing at the back, are all people. People where emotions dwell, where hurts fester and where histories lay concealed.
The short reflection on "ECCE HOMO", tells us that community is essentially where we find our true nature- in the form of a battered man adorned with a crown of thorns. And loving ourselves demand such purity. Away from what people think, away from our insecurities and fears, and into the light of freedom.. that is the steps christians have to embark upon.
I read a priest's dialogue with the Dalai Lama. He said somehting rather fascinating. "truth without the warmth of human friendship, is but a pale shadow of reality" In other words, this authenticity i speak of, must not be independent of the relationships that dwell in community. We must have people alongside, urging us with a certain effusiveness, to make our lives whole again.
Thus, with such a heavy responisibility, where each person is another's soteriological 'benefactor', do we still dare to be wayward in our attitudes to Christ and his demands? How can we still look on, and not be moved? How can we remain as the hard ground that do not germinate seeds? Recall the daunting and yet exciting task each of us has, to bring the "israelites out of slavery".
Thus, there is a certain excitement in finding my way back. It wasnt so much a detour than an excursion. A trip around to learn. The time away has hardly been wasted, actually(haha contrary to popular belief). There's been much i have been doing, and well for once, it feels more of a life than it ever has been. I will share in detail soon.
God bless
Marcus
Friday, March 16, 2007
the lord has his ways
i almost didn't go mass today!!
it has been a spiritual drought since Tuesday. surviving with 1-3 hrs of sleep daily. and today... i just wanted to rest!
at 4pm, i was on the way back in the train. Counting the number of times i went for mass this whole week, i was guilty to tell myself its not a number to be proud of! but i wanted so bad to go home to catch some slp.
i was sleeping so nicely on the train till city hall... a group of china men came on board.. their BO so strong i woke up! i was like wth." i have a habit of getting off a bus or train if i am surrounded by smelly ppl.. so this instance was no exception.
i got off at Bugis, it was 5pm.well... i will be in time for mass!
ta da.i attended mass in the end, not just attend mass, but attended with raymond too!! and we didn't even agree to meet!! furthermore the church so big... but he just have to sit in front of me!
praise lord... today mass was special cos just when i thought i was gonna be alone for mass... i met ray... and i had a extra special treat at SMU. The play ray brought me to was so good!
SMU ROX!
anyway yeah think the heat is turning on for everyone... so many deadlines to meet, so many tests, and i wanna sleep so bad!!!
but praise lord that i have many good lecturers who remind me that to be able to study, it is a gift so don't complaiN! and a room mate with his witty humor who never fails to stays up the whole night with me
anyway miss you guys! and i so wanna contribute a post to good better and best cell grp... but i gonna take a nap first!
steven
it has been a spiritual drought since Tuesday. surviving with 1-3 hrs of sleep daily. and today... i just wanted to rest!
at 4pm, i was on the way back in the train. Counting the number of times i went for mass this whole week, i was guilty to tell myself its not a number to be proud of! but i wanted so bad to go home to catch some slp.
i was sleeping so nicely on the train till city hall... a group of china men came on board.. their BO so strong i woke up! i was like wth." i have a habit of getting off a bus or train if i am surrounded by smelly ppl.. so this instance was no exception.
i got off at Bugis, it was 5pm.well... i will be in time for mass!
ta da.i attended mass in the end, not just attend mass, but attended with raymond too!! and we didn't even agree to meet!! furthermore the church so big... but he just have to sit in front of me!
praise lord... today mass was special cos just when i thought i was gonna be alone for mass... i met ray... and i had a extra special treat at SMU. The play ray brought me to was so good!
SMU ROX!
anyway yeah think the heat is turning on for everyone... so many deadlines to meet, so many tests, and i wanna sleep so bad!!!
but praise lord that i have many good lecturers who remind me that to be able to study, it is a gift so don't complaiN! and a room mate with his witty humor who never fails to stays up the whole night with me
anyway miss you guys! and i so wanna contribute a post to good better and best cell grp... but i gonna take a nap first!
steven
MIA
Sorry friends.
havent been posting...
I am in the desert...
Really dont feel like doing anything religious!
But i am going for mass later and stations cause friends from school asked me along.
So i must be quite near a stream still got hope.
Hope that you all are coping well this lent.
Go for mass and stations later with kenny k?
and all the best for those who are going to mel chen's place for cell tomolo!
you guys beat us to that. Pui.
so u all are good cell group.
hahahah
bYe!
2 more weeks to holy week.
omg.
havent been posting...
I am in the desert...
Really dont feel like doing anything religious!
But i am going for mass later and stations cause friends from school asked me along.
So i must be quite near a stream still got hope.
Hope that you all are coping well this lent.
Go for mass and stations later with kenny k?
and all the best for those who are going to mel chen's place for cell tomolo!
you guys beat us to that. Pui.
so u all are good cell group.
hahahah
bYe!
2 more weeks to holy week.
omg.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Friday, March 9, 2007
How can this be?
As you guys know, i have this little shop at plaza sing and i opened it with a close friend, jiwei
Yesterday, a man stole a fake handphone and jiwei's mom went after him.
he either bashed her or pushed her or she slipped and hit her head and not she is brain dead.
I am in shock and I cant believe the grief my friend has to go through.
Please offer as much prayer as you can to him and his family.
Thanks.
Raymond
Yesterday, a man stole a fake handphone and jiwei's mom went after him.
he either bashed her or pushed her or she slipped and hit her head and not she is brain dead.
I am in shock and I cant believe the grief my friend has to go through.
Please offer as much prayer as you can to him and his family.
Thanks.
Raymond
Prayer Request
Friends,
my close friend Jiwei's mom is in hospital and he smsed me for prayers.
It came as a shock to me cause he is a non believer.
Thanks
raymond
my close friend Jiwei's mom is in hospital and he smsed me for prayers.
It came as a shock to me cause he is a non believer.
Thanks
raymond
Thursday, March 8, 2007
Gift of life
I am just helping my dad do some work - of which i find a chore. Plus i have an upcoming session to plan.
And i am watching this show on Channel 5 now and its featuring this lady "Katherine Han" and her life story. She has some illness and is handicapped. I teared upon hearing her story and I was wondering if I would ever be so strong if such a misfortune would fall upon me.
And I was shocked. Because she goes to church - faithfully. The narrator mentioned that she finds her strength in God. And they showed a church. A very familiar bell tower and stain glass and water feature and altar. It was sfx (our church). And I vaguely recall seeing her once in awhile.
I'm ashamed. Because I dont remember ever stopping sometime to smile or say hello. Each time I see the Chesire home people, i just 'smile' briefly and walk off. Not on purpose, just oblivious. Yes, oblivious. I should just stop. Its very simple to stop and simle and say hello.
And I should appreciate the gift of life.
For those whom God kept alive (yes, some MSC few almost died in a 'almost-happened' car accident), we should continue to thank God for the very simple gift of life.
And continue to give of ourselves to others.
Rachelle
And i am watching this show on Channel 5 now and its featuring this lady "Katherine Han" and her life story. She has some illness and is handicapped. I teared upon hearing her story and I was wondering if I would ever be so strong if such a misfortune would fall upon me.
And I was shocked. Because she goes to church - faithfully. The narrator mentioned that she finds her strength in God. And they showed a church. A very familiar bell tower and stain glass and water feature and altar. It was sfx (our church). And I vaguely recall seeing her once in awhile.
I'm ashamed. Because I dont remember ever stopping sometime to smile or say hello. Each time I see the Chesire home people, i just 'smile' briefly and walk off. Not on purpose, just oblivious. Yes, oblivious. I should just stop. Its very simple to stop and simle and say hello.
And I should appreciate the gift of life.
For those whom God kept alive (yes, some MSC few almost died in a 'almost-happened' car accident), we should continue to thank God for the very simple gift of life.
And continue to give of ourselves to others.
Rachelle
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Test? wat test?
WOO!!!!
Wah cannot take it... this heading cannot work le.. must changes... shd be MSC or steven rox or sth like that
anyway So sorry raymond!!! i lied to u on the ph... which brings me to pen my side of the story
i was comtemplating from 1pm to 5 pm yest thinking bout whether i should attend mass at SFX or OLPS. Cos was thinking if I go OLPS... i will not feel guilty to leave after mass and not go for sharing!
Then, I didn't want to dampen raymond's mood cos i know he has a busy week too but he still makes a point to come down for sharing despite his heavy schedule.
So i went for mass at OLPS yest... i didn't feel touched by preaching of father... felt was too short...considering i tavelled all the way down.
This was when i started to reflect- Am i here in hope to feed my emotional needs?
i was like wow! thats powerful reflection... cos it was a question i nv search deep in my heart b4. I realise that i always tend to have expectations, wanting sth in return for most of the things i do. if its competition, i will feel its not worthwhile taking part if i'm not confident of winning. when comes to friendship i will want ppl to show me appreciation once in a while for the things i do for them. my reflection yest serves as a reminder to me that i still have to learn how to love others as an extended self,w/o wanting anything back in return.
I realise that i have been feeding myself with excuses, telling myself that the sharing is not deep enough, i have so many things to do... so many excuses.
So praise the lord... even though i feel stretch out over the past week, i managed to structure my thoughts.
-if i want more, i will have to give first.
-if i feel sharing is not deep, i will have to ask,' what am i looking for? maybe i need to take the 1st step by being more involved
maybe its out of guilt for lying, maybe its cos i wanted to affirm ray that the opportunity cost of not going for sharing is higher than not studying for our stats test, it may also be because i didn't want to lie to myself further...End of it all, i felt apeace with myself, with the community, and most of all affirmed by the potential of community as one!
Steven!!!
Wah cannot take it... this heading cannot work le.. must changes... shd be MSC or steven rox or sth like that
anyway So sorry raymond!!! i lied to u on the ph... which brings me to pen my side of the story
i was comtemplating from 1pm to 5 pm yest thinking bout whether i should attend mass at SFX or OLPS. Cos was thinking if I go OLPS... i will not feel guilty to leave after mass and not go for sharing!
Then, I didn't want to dampen raymond's mood cos i know he has a busy week too but he still makes a point to come down for sharing despite his heavy schedule.
So i went for mass at OLPS yest... i didn't feel touched by preaching of father... felt was too short...considering i tavelled all the way down.
This was when i started to reflect- Am i here in hope to feed my emotional needs?
i was like wow! thats powerful reflection... cos it was a question i nv search deep in my heart b4. I realise that i always tend to have expectations, wanting sth in return for most of the things i do. if its competition, i will feel its not worthwhile taking part if i'm not confident of winning. when comes to friendship i will want ppl to show me appreciation once in a while for the things i do for them. my reflection yest serves as a reminder to me that i still have to learn how to love others as an extended self,w/o wanting anything back in return.
I realise that i have been feeding myself with excuses, telling myself that the sharing is not deep enough, i have so many things to do... so many excuses.
So praise the lord... even though i feel stretch out over the past week, i managed to structure my thoughts.
-if i want more, i will have to give first.
-if i feel sharing is not deep, i will have to ask,' what am i looking for? maybe i need to take the 1st step by being more involved
maybe its out of guilt for lying, maybe its cos i wanted to affirm ray that the opportunity cost of not going for sharing is higher than not studying for our stats test, it may also be because i didn't want to lie to myself further...End of it all, i felt apeace with myself, with the community, and most of all affirmed by the potential of community as one!
Steven!!!
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
I love you people!
Its funny how Jeanette smsed me that day and apologised profusely for entering my gmail account after blogging and then started emailing people using my account. SOTONG!!! But on the account of your heart warming deep sharing, you are forgiven, sister.
i am actually sitting on the steps outside good shepard right now and steven and francis are eating beside me.
this night was indeed dramatic, at least in my mind.
I dunno why but when i realised that there was going to be bible sharing today, i was really happy and i was looking forward to it! And then i came for mass and met Val. And Val wasnt going to come. Earlier on i smsed Alvin, and he wasnt going to come. Mel said she wasnt going to come. Seeing that Steven was not at mass, I called steven and he said he wasnt going to come.
I was so disappointed and discouraged. And i told Steven (sorry steven it had to be you haha) bluntly that I was very discouraged cause everyone said they were busy with school work or work and HELLO i am very *(^*(%*&%^*$^& busy with work too k. So, feeling all depressed i went for dinner. After dinner, while taking a stroll up to church, I told myself not to be disappointed and just be there for those who came. I tried to do away with all the unfair thoughts, like how people who dont regularly come are only leeching on those who regularly come who sweat blood to keep things going. And i thought about how if i dont come, i will not be disppointing those who dont regularly come but those who regularly come!
And so by 750pm i was all alone in good shepard. And then i became very tired, and its not good when i am very tired cause i will just heck care everything! and i opened my diray to see what i have no accomplished tonight and realised that i have a quiz tomolo and my essay due and all and i started wishing i was home and doing work after taking a bathe. i then whiped out my laptop and went to the msc blog and OMG there was 2 posts.
And i cant even believe how excited and woken up i was!
and then i also wanted to blog!
and then i saw jean!
and then i saw kenny
and then colin
then STEVEN, you came in the end!
and then shireen and evelyn and francis and so many people!
and i was so so so so so happy!
i am so happy now and session is starting!
bye!!!!!
i am actually sitting on the steps outside good shepard right now and steven and francis are eating beside me.
this night was indeed dramatic, at least in my mind.
I dunno why but when i realised that there was going to be bible sharing today, i was really happy and i was looking forward to it! And then i came for mass and met Val. And Val wasnt going to come. Earlier on i smsed Alvin, and he wasnt going to come. Mel said she wasnt going to come. Seeing that Steven was not at mass, I called steven and he said he wasnt going to come.
I was so disappointed and discouraged. And i told Steven (sorry steven it had to be you haha) bluntly that I was very discouraged cause everyone said they were busy with school work or work and HELLO i am very *(^*(%*&%^*$^& busy with work too k. So, feeling all depressed i went for dinner. After dinner, while taking a stroll up to church, I told myself not to be disappointed and just be there for those who came. I tried to do away with all the unfair thoughts, like how people who dont regularly come are only leeching on those who regularly come who sweat blood to keep things going. And i thought about how if i dont come, i will not be disppointing those who dont regularly come but those who regularly come!
And so by 750pm i was all alone in good shepard. And then i became very tired, and its not good when i am very tired cause i will just heck care everything! and i opened my diray to see what i have no accomplished tonight and realised that i have a quiz tomolo and my essay due and all and i started wishing i was home and doing work after taking a bathe. i then whiped out my laptop and went to the msc blog and OMG there was 2 posts.
And i cant even believe how excited and woken up i was!
and then i also wanted to blog!
and then i saw jean!
and then i saw kenny
and then colin
then STEVEN, you came in the end!
and then shireen and evelyn and francis and so many people!
and i was so so so so so happy!
i am so happy now and session is starting!
bye!!!!!
Monday, March 5, 2007
No, Its Not Easy.
We who all long for this supposed 'light', find it one of the most difficult journeys to make.
I am very touched by your sharing. It has been awhile since I have had exposure to the audacity of such truthfulness-one that makes people uncomfortable, but one that goes right into the heart of many. Audacity? Yes. Against the social norm of "keeping all to oneself", "being guarded and protected" behind the illusions of security.
In view of my own disillusionment, your post has really elucidated an aspect of how a community functions-truthfulness. Because without it, we are really, a modern day masquerade.
Raymond sent in a quote once, "the longest journeys are that from the mind to the heart", while that could be used in the context of service, I see it in this context of truth.
Our darkness delay and lengthen this journey from the mind to the heart. We know what haunts us, but lack the necessary courage. The mind acknowledges the painful truth, but it doesnt speak the language that the heart requires- and then all one is stuck in, is painful and quiet desolation.
So, what is that language the heart requires? Faith, hope and love. And above all, love. If the reason to change is to love God more, the heart conforms and takes decisive actions. How do we speak such a language? We learn it from living with others. Yes, Rick Warren said it, we learn it, in community. (funny that i am the one saying it)
So yes, what has transpired in the previous post, is an example of a journey made-not over perhaps- but well, on its way to that great purpose of "COMPLETion".
I share with you, the joy of beginning what could be a tiresome and painful walk. But remember this walk, will not be alone. "God is faithful, he will give you the graces to overcome" And more importantly, your walk will lay the foundations for many to take courage in.
Also, it is only right, that I reply with that same courtesy that you have given: honesty.
There are many bridges that i have burnt, leaving MSC. I find those hard to repair. And perhaps most importantly, I find it difficult to trust myself into repairing, or maintaining those bridges.
The veil of disillusionment is like temptation. Everytime I consider giving and serving, i get my "buts". Cynicism is a bubonic plague that keeps one chained, battered and bruised.
So yes, there are a myriad of reasons why I havent found the ability to convict myself. And in due time, in an opportune moment, i will share more.
But your sharing stirred something different. That is the transfiguration that you talked about. The bright light that reveals the Son's glory and magnificence when one bcomes 'fully alive'. Cynicism means there are too many closed doors to possibilites. Your sharing seem to have opened one- the most important one, perhaps.
And i urge ALL, to perpetuate this. There's something special here that begun. Cell groups are the essential opportunity for such wondrous sharings. Lets carry this on.
Marcus
I am very touched by your sharing. It has been awhile since I have had exposure to the audacity of such truthfulness-one that makes people uncomfortable, but one that goes right into the heart of many. Audacity? Yes. Against the social norm of "keeping all to oneself", "being guarded and protected" behind the illusions of security.
In view of my own disillusionment, your post has really elucidated an aspect of how a community functions-truthfulness. Because without it, we are really, a modern day masquerade.
Raymond sent in a quote once, "the longest journeys are that from the mind to the heart", while that could be used in the context of service, I see it in this context of truth.
Our darkness delay and lengthen this journey from the mind to the heart. We know what haunts us, but lack the necessary courage. The mind acknowledges the painful truth, but it doesnt speak the language that the heart requires- and then all one is stuck in, is painful and quiet desolation.
So, what is that language the heart requires? Faith, hope and love. And above all, love. If the reason to change is to love God more, the heart conforms and takes decisive actions. How do we speak such a language? We learn it from living with others. Yes, Rick Warren said it, we learn it, in community. (funny that i am the one saying it)
So yes, what has transpired in the previous post, is an example of a journey made-not over perhaps- but well, on its way to that great purpose of "COMPLETion".
I share with you, the joy of beginning what could be a tiresome and painful walk. But remember this walk, will not be alone. "God is faithful, he will give you the graces to overcome" And more importantly, your walk will lay the foundations for many to take courage in.
Also, it is only right, that I reply with that same courtesy that you have given: honesty.
There are many bridges that i have burnt, leaving MSC. I find those hard to repair. And perhaps most importantly, I find it difficult to trust myself into repairing, or maintaining those bridges.
The veil of disillusionment is like temptation. Everytime I consider giving and serving, i get my "buts". Cynicism is a bubonic plague that keeps one chained, battered and bruised.
So yes, there are a myriad of reasons why I havent found the ability to convict myself. And in due time, in an opportune moment, i will share more.
But your sharing stirred something different. That is the transfiguration that you talked about. The bright light that reveals the Son's glory and magnificence when one bcomes 'fully alive'. Cynicism means there are too many closed doors to possibilites. Your sharing seem to have opened one- the most important one, perhaps.
And i urge ALL, to perpetuate this. There's something special here that begun. Cell groups are the essential opportunity for such wondrous sharings. Lets carry this on.
Marcus
Sunday, March 4, 2007
It is not easy to bring darkness to light
It is not. And there is still much resistance and fear at this very instant but I will. Because God should be glorified.
Sat night outing with a friend saw ourselves in a conversation about commitment to rel'ships and marriage. And he concluded that "we (as in general pple) should just play till we're sixty and then die" - because it'll be much easier. But of course, he didn't mean it. Because like me, these are thoughts each of us - i'm sure you do too at some point in time - secretly habours but will not act upon simply because we are Christians and God has called us to be Holy.
Sun morning at mass, I found myself picking up a flyer that challenged me to defy conventions and "transfigure" (Gospel being the Transfiguration of Jesus) and transform myself into a disciple worthy of God's calling. And i began to think about relationships... and all the 'conventions' in today's world. Random dating, pre-marital sex, sleeping around, flirting, one-night stands, homosexuality, mass orgies.. and the list goes on.
Having set the background, the above is not the highlight of my sharing. And like you, i was unaware of what was about to be revealed to me.
Half an hour later, I was in a Prayer session and we were worshiping with song "Complete" Lyrics). I recalled very clearly how about exactly a year ago (when i first learnt this song), I kept it very close to my heart. The lyrics spoke to me and the words were the exact desires of my heart. You see, I was then involved in a very unhealthy relationship which I couldnt bring myself to break out of. Not the kind where heavy patting was involved nor the pre-marital sex kind of unhealthy. I was dating a girl. Yes, don't fret.
I wanted to get out of it. But I couldnt. I could only cry that "by faith i will walk on", and trust that God will give me enough strength to be free, to 'see beyond my calvary' and be 'complete' once again someday. True enough, I took courage 3 months later.
You know that it is wrong. You know that it is not how God wants you to live. You know that He will still love and forgive you but you also know that He has called you to be Holy. And He has formed you and you are precious - made for eternal life, not for things on this earth. Made for heavenly riches, not pleasures of this world. And you know you can let go if you really desire and pray. And you know if you dont do it sometime soon or now, it will continue. And you could die and find yourself still stuck in the same web. And you know that it will hurt, but it will also heal in time. And so i did. I broke out of it and left everything behind. Thank you, for those who walked with me. As they always say, truly, 'only by His grace'.
Today, although the hurt still lingers, I can only lift my eyes to Him and let His love heal and 'restore me again'. I Praise and Thank God. Indeed, I am "Complete" in Him once again.
For those of you who need to break out of wherever you are, may you find courage.
Rachelle.
"So I lift my eyes to you Lord
In your strength will I break through Lord
Touch me now, let your love fall down on me
I know your love dispels all my fears
Through the storm I will hold on Lord
And by faith I will walk on Lord
Then I'll see beyond my calvary one day
And I will be complete in You"
Sat night outing with a friend saw ourselves in a conversation about commitment to rel'ships and marriage. And he concluded that "we (as in general pple) should just play till we're sixty and then die" - because it'll be much easier. But of course, he didn't mean it. Because like me, these are thoughts each of us - i'm sure you do too at some point in time - secretly habours but will not act upon simply because we are Christians and God has called us to be Holy.
Sun morning at mass, I found myself picking up a flyer that challenged me to defy conventions and "transfigure" (Gospel being the Transfiguration of Jesus) and transform myself into a disciple worthy of God's calling. And i began to think about relationships... and all the 'conventions' in today's world. Random dating, pre-marital sex, sleeping around, flirting, one-night stands, homosexuality, mass orgies.. and the list goes on.
Having set the background, the above is not the highlight of my sharing. And like you, i was unaware of what was about to be revealed to me.
Half an hour later, I was in a Prayer session and we were worshiping with song "Complete" Lyrics). I recalled very clearly how about exactly a year ago (when i first learnt this song), I kept it very close to my heart. The lyrics spoke to me and the words were the exact desires of my heart. You see, I was then involved in a very unhealthy relationship which I couldnt bring myself to break out of. Not the kind where heavy patting was involved nor the pre-marital sex kind of unhealthy. I was dating a girl. Yes, don't fret.
I wanted to get out of it. But I couldnt. I could only cry that "by faith i will walk on", and trust that God will give me enough strength to be free, to 'see beyond my calvary' and be 'complete' once again someday. True enough, I took courage 3 months later.
You know that it is wrong. You know that it is not how God wants you to live. You know that He will still love and forgive you but you also know that He has called you to be Holy. And He has formed you and you are precious - made for eternal life, not for things on this earth. Made for heavenly riches, not pleasures of this world. And you know you can let go if you really desire and pray. And you know if you dont do it sometime soon or now, it will continue. And you could die and find yourself still stuck in the same web. And you know that it will hurt, but it will also heal in time. And so i did. I broke out of it and left everything behind. Thank you, for those who walked with me. As they always say, truly, 'only by His grace'.
Today, although the hurt still lingers, I can only lift my eyes to Him and let His love heal and 'restore me again'. I Praise and Thank God. Indeed, I am "Complete" in Him once again.
For those of you who need to break out of wherever you are, may you find courage.
Rachelle.
"So I lift my eyes to you Lord
In your strength will I break through Lord
Touch me now, let your love fall down on me
I know your love dispels all my fears
Through the storm I will hold on Lord
And by faith I will walk on Lord
Then I'll see beyond my calvary one day
And I will be complete in You"
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Happy Birthday Melissa Chen!
Mel, you have been a great friend.
I wish you all the best in your career, your family, your spiritual walk, and your endeavour to sell your shelf!
Loves,
Raymond
Leave well wishes for mel too, by posting a comment.
I wish you all the best in your career, your family, your spiritual walk, and your endeavour to sell your shelf!
Loves,
Raymond
Leave well wishes for mel too, by posting a comment.
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
What a Surprise!
I check this blog everyday and sometimes twice or thrice a day.
Most of the times, i get dissappointed. ha.
Once upon a time, there lived 2 people. Their names were Mr. optimistic and Mr. pessimistic and Miss Suprise.
Mr pessimistic said," haiz surely the blog will die down..."
Mr optimistic says," i hope i can be there to support the blog so that it wont close down"
After a few weeks, the blog was really dying down cause even mr optimistic realised he needed support, somewhat lesser than mr pessimsitic but at least a little. Just then, Miss Suprise came with her post. Praise the Lord.
This short yet VERY captivating (hahaha) story encapsulates how i felt this morning. And it really makes a difference when others put in effort too. I suppose thats why we need community because alone, we will all fade away. Someone once complied a list and since the founding of youthworks, we have had 100 people who have "gone thru the ranks". I wonder if these people are closer to god or further away from God. Just wondering. We should have a big reunion la one day. Ask every single soul back and then we can 1) reminisce about the good old days 2) do a survey 3) re evangalise Ha.
Anyway last night i was really feeling very down. Actually for the past few days. You know, the feeling that you dont want to do anything at all and because you have no energy to? I skipped important lectures and project meetings to come home and rest. was going to fall sick too. And there's only so much u can sleep and run away from your "problems". Dont even know what the problem is! So at 9pm i went to ADO and as usual, only god could comfort me. Dont need to say what happened after that.
All in all.
praise god.
Raymond
Most of the times, i get dissappointed. ha.
Once upon a time, there lived 2 people. Their names were Mr. optimistic and Mr. pessimistic and Miss Suprise.
Mr pessimistic said," haiz surely the blog will die down..."
Mr optimistic says," i hope i can be there to support the blog so that it wont close down"
After a few weeks, the blog was really dying down cause even mr optimistic realised he needed support, somewhat lesser than mr pessimsitic but at least a little. Just then, Miss Suprise came with her post. Praise the Lord.
This short yet VERY captivating (hahaha) story encapsulates how i felt this morning. And it really makes a difference when others put in effort too. I suppose thats why we need community because alone, we will all fade away. Someone once complied a list and since the founding of youthworks, we have had 100 people who have "gone thru the ranks". I wonder if these people are closer to god or further away from God. Just wondering. We should have a big reunion la one day. Ask every single soul back and then we can 1) reminisce about the good old days 2) do a survey 3) re evangalise Ha.
Anyway last night i was really feeling very down. Actually for the past few days. You know, the feeling that you dont want to do anything at all and because you have no energy to? I skipped important lectures and project meetings to come home and rest. was going to fall sick too. And there's only so much u can sleep and run away from your "problems". Dont even know what the problem is! So at 9pm i went to ADO and as usual, only god could comfort me. Dont need to say what happened after that.
All in all.
praise god.
Raymond
With the sound of music...
I love every bit about the rain and what's not to love.There's the fresh air, the cool breeze and the sound of raindrops falling. It's really music to the ears. Rain alone is a form of inspiration if you come think about it.Recently, I have taken interest in a keyboard composing course which I stumbled upon by accident a few weeks ago.I have totally fallen in love with music,or perhaps even more! However, I am really torn. Torn between staying to continue my new found love in music as well as torn for whether to move overseas which i have planned way before for my course in Sydney.hmmm... (God, I pray to Thee that you will guide and lead me to right path and where my heart desires.Amen.) Music is such a wonderful gift from God. It's a special tool that communicates with God through our inner true emotions.That's God. Cause to be able to communicate with music with our inner emotions, it can create the most beautiful melody in every piece of music and every song.And each melody indicates a sort of emotion from our inner hearts that one could not possibly describe it in words. Music alone has countless possibilties. It is a form of language by itself. A language with God. It is through music that we can truely let loose and sing praises to our Lord! Thank You Jesus.I love You and I always will be. So with this new found love, I pray that I will be able compose some heavenly worship songs to do our Lord's work if God is willing and perhaps got to contribute to the praise and worship ministry in the future to come which I have always wanted to.Thank You Jesus! In your most Holy and precious name. Amen
with our Lord's blessings,
Suzanne
with our Lord's blessings,
Suzanne
Monday, February 26, 2007
my shield...
hey sorry guys havent been blogging. the 1st few times i had problems logging in, now tt i've started working, i am sooo tired i refuse to look at computer screen when i get home.. so yup. sorry, will try my best. really quite jialat now..i havent yet adapted to the long hours of work, back and eye pain like mad! plus now still information overload and still learning new stuff..
I AM TIRED!! sigh.. and my pants are totally wet cos of the rain. wat a great way to start the morning. then as i was stoning out of the window, listening to mp3 (and of cos hoping to see some cute guys on the way to work haha somethg came to my mind: the word 'shield'. i duno y! i think it was cos i saw a picture of a war scene while walking to the bus stop on one of the bus stop panels. so yup. then i immediately thought of who my shield was! it was jesus. he has been protecting me, hiding me, shielding me and at the same time getting hurt in return for my sake. many times i still get a few cuts and bruises, but its nothing really. they're a reminder of that particular war i had with jesus as my shield. yupyup so great reflection this morning.. praise god. 9am nw, argh back to work!!
I AM TIRED!! sigh.. and my pants are totally wet cos of the rain. wat a great way to start the morning. then as i was stoning out of the window, listening to mp3 (and of cos hoping to see some cute guys on the way to work haha somethg came to my mind: the word 'shield'. i duno y! i think it was cos i saw a picture of a war scene while walking to the bus stop on one of the bus stop panels. so yup. then i immediately thought of who my shield was! it was jesus. he has been protecting me, hiding me, shielding me and at the same time getting hurt in return for my sake. many times i still get a few cuts and bruises, but its nothing really. they're a reminder of that particular war i had with jesus as my shield. yupyup so great reflection this morning.. praise god. 9am nw, argh back to work!!
Sunday, February 25, 2007
Temptation Management - A new Science
It is somehow disheartening when you enter a blog only to find ONE -and the same old- person blogging. But even one is enough to inspire and keep this blog going.
Praise God.
-----------------------------------------------
Temptation Management (A term used by Father Gerard at mass), a new science?
How cool is that? Its probably not something new because we should learn how to curb our own temptations but day in day out, we (or I in this case) are bombarded with all kinds of 'corporate' management terms and best practices. Risk management, Knowledge management, Document management.. and the list goes on. And there are all these hypes to manage the company, is there an equal hype to manage our spiritual lives? (Not just lives, but spiritual lives since there is Anger Mgt and Stress Mgt)
So, put these talks/discussions/sciences/best practices into our lives and there! you have it - a whole new science to manage your own life - TEMPTATION MANAGEMENT.
How many of us have actually sat down before to learn more about ourselves, to be VERY (notice its bold) aware of situations that can tempt us and to avoid these situations? or even to know ourselves deeper and be aware of what can stop us from acting on our temptation?
This brings me to mind of the many times I succumbed to temptations. One, I do not take effort to avoid situations which can potentially tempt me and cause me to sin. e.g clubbing, hanging with certain friends. Often, I think i am strong enough to overcome these temptations but I do not realise that I am not - only to find myself in sin again. Two, in temptation, all I need to do is to first pray and then walk away, even better, run. But today in temptation, I do not find enough strength to pray. (Of course in those times I did (pray), I only found grace abounding and I was able to reject sin.)
Today upon reflection, I have learnt that temptation can be managed. Knowing my weakness when its comes to 2, I will ensure 1 does not even happen - that I will avoid putting myself in such situations which will lead me into temptation and sin. And I will continue to study 'Temptation Management' (like I do regularly at work on Knowledge Mgt and Document Mgt) and find the best practices for my own life.
And of course, using the bible and prayer as my manual/tool.
Rachelle
Praise God.
-----------------------------------------------
Temptation Management (A term used by Father Gerard at mass), a new science?
How cool is that? Its probably not something new because we should learn how to curb our own temptations but day in day out, we (or I in this case) are bombarded with all kinds of 'corporate' management terms and best practices. Risk management, Knowledge management, Document management.. and the list goes on. And there are all these hypes to manage the company, is there an equal hype to manage our spiritual lives? (Not just lives, but spiritual lives since there is Anger Mgt and Stress Mgt)
So, put these talks/discussions/sciences/best practices into our lives and there! you have it - a whole new science to manage your own life - TEMPTATION MANAGEMENT.
How many of us have actually sat down before to learn more about ourselves, to be VERY (notice its bold) aware of situations that can tempt us and to avoid these situations? or even to know ourselves deeper and be aware of what can stop us from acting on our temptation?
This brings me to mind of the many times I succumbed to temptations. One, I do not take effort to avoid situations which can potentially tempt me and cause me to sin. e.g clubbing, hanging with certain friends. Often, I think i am strong enough to overcome these temptations but I do not realise that I am not - only to find myself in sin again. Two, in temptation, all I need to do is to first pray and then walk away, even better, run. But today in temptation, I do not find enough strength to pray. (Of course in those times I did (pray), I only found grace abounding and I was able to reject sin.)
Today upon reflection, I have learnt that temptation can be managed. Knowing my weakness when its comes to 2, I will ensure 1 does not even happen - that I will avoid putting myself in such situations which will lead me into temptation and sin. And I will continue to study 'Temptation Management' (like I do regularly at work on Knowledge Mgt and Document Mgt) and find the best practices for my own life.
And of course, using the bible and prayer as my manual/tool.
Rachelle
I bruise easily.
I dunno why... but ever since this blog existed, i am more aware of the numerous blessings god bestows on me. maybe its because i become more on the "lookout" for things to share with the community. (intersting i used the word community instead of cell, maybe cause i think more people from outside the cell visit the site more often ha, so maybe this can be a community blog soon, we shall see... ha)
So back to the story i got like a million things to say and its 1014pm 14 mins after my bedtime. i got to be quick.
1. session was ULTRA good today. Thank you Mel Tan, Alvin and Val! I think we really need to affirm the people when the session is good! All the songs chosen were really ept for the lenten refections. can someone send me the slides please? raymondtheodoreraphael@gmail.com
This is what we striked me most.
We were asked to ponder WY AM I WHO I AM. and its a tough question. in the past, i used to not understand what jude was driving yet but i have since come to embrace the textbook answer in my heart with conviction. I am raymond bla bla many many names and stupid behaviour but i am a CHILD OF GOD, thank you bye bye. ha
Mark shared that God replied with I AM WHO I AM because god is the reference point! And it made me realise yeah, we all have names and surnames esp for reference points. names not so much but in the old and new testaments, the sons are named after his father or grandfather( a bit wierd for present society ha). but still we have our surNAMES which is the reference to our family line of which TAN is the most prosperous and fertile in Singapore. Woot Woot!
Other points that striked me were these passages:
Moses was not excited about becoming the leader of the Isrealites. He felt he lacked the talent for the job.
He said, "If you please, Lord, send someone else."
(as if not striking enough, it follows)
As it turned out, he didnt have to do it alone. He experienced the weakness of his people and his people experienced his doubts as well.
After lunch ( which the numbers are getting smaller by the day. these are symptoms of................., maybe) went to talk to steven at coffee bean and we were talking about committment. interesting question! and today's catholic news has an article that says AMONG YOUTHS, COMMITTMENT IS A LOST ART!
After that studied a bit and went for mass with mel. Had to pick her up cause her car is banned from church!
No, she didnt burst her tires in church. She only forgot to remove her car from basement until 50 cars had to reverse all the way out only ma...... ha.
And what Fr. Gerade said at mass striked me. He said, "Try fasting from ice cream for 40 days. On the 40th day when someone offers u an ice cream, you will have the wilpower to say no." he said the devil was stupid to tempt jesus after 40 days cause although he was very hungry, he had very strong spiritual will power by then!" Ha so it might be better if the tempting took place on day one. meaning, the longer u tahan the stronger u become and after 40 days you are invincible. I think this is a great encouragement to us because sometimes i think like HUH? How can i not habitual sin again forever? Forever just sounds inpossible and you cant even believe yourself so half the battle lost. but now, if we can all aim for 40 days. wow. its POSSIBLE!!!! Lets all set out to curb our habitual sins! Amen!
Today's bulletin's article also striked me( i am brusied by now but more please!)
It says: ALL THESE APPEAL TO GREAT DRIVES WITHIN US WHICH SEEM TO BE FOR OUR OWN GOOD BUT WHICH CAN TAKE ON TOO MUCH A PULL IN OUR LIVES AND LEAD US INTO MANY SIDETRACKS OF DISILLUSIONMENT AND FRUSTRATION. JUST THINK OF OUR MOTIVATIONS THAT DRIVE US EVERYDAY AND THROUGHOUT OUR LIVES.
You can be the good husband...
You can be the idealistic community leader who starts out with a deep desire to use power for the good of the community but whose values are subsequently compromised bu not living out the ideals that first motivated him.
Yours forever or rather, 40 days,
Raymond
Accident.
So back to the story i got like a million things to say and its 1014pm 14 mins after my bedtime. i got to be quick.
1. session was ULTRA good today. Thank you Mel Tan, Alvin and Val! I think we really need to affirm the people when the session is good! All the songs chosen were really ept for the lenten refections. can someone send me the slides please? raymondtheodoreraphael@gmail.com
This is what we striked me most.
We were asked to ponder WY AM I WHO I AM. and its a tough question. in the past, i used to not understand what jude was driving yet but i have since come to embrace the textbook answer in my heart with conviction. I am raymond bla bla many many names and stupid behaviour but i am a CHILD OF GOD, thank you bye bye. ha
Mark shared that God replied with I AM WHO I AM because god is the reference point! And it made me realise yeah, we all have names and surnames esp for reference points. names not so much but in the old and new testaments, the sons are named after his father or grandfather( a bit wierd for present society ha). but still we have our surNAMES which is the reference to our family line of which TAN is the most prosperous and fertile in Singapore. Woot Woot!
Other points that striked me were these passages:
Moses was not excited about becoming the leader of the Isrealites. He felt he lacked the talent for the job.
He said, "If you please, Lord, send someone else."
(as if not striking enough, it follows)
As it turned out, he didnt have to do it alone. He experienced the weakness of his people and his people experienced his doubts as well.
After lunch ( which the numbers are getting smaller by the day. these are symptoms of................., maybe) went to talk to steven at coffee bean and we were talking about committment. interesting question! and today's catholic news has an article that says AMONG YOUTHS, COMMITTMENT IS A LOST ART!
After that studied a bit and went for mass with mel. Had to pick her up cause her car is banned from church!
No, she didnt burst her tires in church. She only forgot to remove her car from basement until 50 cars had to reverse all the way out only ma...... ha.
And what Fr. Gerade said at mass striked me. He said, "Try fasting from ice cream for 40 days. On the 40th day when someone offers u an ice cream, you will have the wilpower to say no." he said the devil was stupid to tempt jesus after 40 days cause although he was very hungry, he had very strong spiritual will power by then!" Ha so it might be better if the tempting took place on day one. meaning, the longer u tahan the stronger u become and after 40 days you are invincible. I think this is a great encouragement to us because sometimes i think like HUH? How can i not habitual sin again forever? Forever just sounds inpossible and you cant even believe yourself so half the battle lost. but now, if we can all aim for 40 days. wow. its POSSIBLE!!!! Lets all set out to curb our habitual sins! Amen!
Today's bulletin's article also striked me( i am brusied by now but more please!)
It says: ALL THESE APPEAL TO GREAT DRIVES WITHIN US WHICH SEEM TO BE FOR OUR OWN GOOD BUT WHICH CAN TAKE ON TOO MUCH A PULL IN OUR LIVES AND LEAD US INTO MANY SIDETRACKS OF DISILLUSIONMENT AND FRUSTRATION. JUST THINK OF OUR MOTIVATIONS THAT DRIVE US EVERYDAY AND THROUGHOUT OUR LIVES.
You can be the good husband...
You can be the idealistic community leader who starts out with a deep desire to use power for the good of the community but whose values are subsequently compromised bu not living out the ideals that first motivated him.
Yours forever or rather, 40 days,
Raymond
Accident.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
I am a FOO-L
Hi, i tried a gd number of times, to actually log on, and post something on the blog. But well couldnt. So i'll respond accordingly (and hopefully tactfully) over here.
I would apologise first, because i already know this is going to be quite a polemic. But i'll be as constructive about it as i can.
Naturally, the highlighted "walk away" caught my attention.
Is walking away cowardice? When 'the shit hits the fence', does it reflect a certain weakness of character, when one walks out?
Its really strange that the flaw is on the person who walked out, rather on what he or she walked out on.
Be careful that its only because we remain, that we point the finger at those who leave.
In my time away,there's one thing that constantly nagged at me. Perhaps posting it out for all to comment and think about, will actually help me and all who might think alike, that hasnt voiced.
I would think, quintessentially, what behooves the more enthusiastic few in community is this- lukewarmness. We dont walk the talk. We have our limitations that we exaggerate more than work at.
When we chat, on comm, on visions and missions, our common language ends up all too often in a sigh.
Its a resignation that says "this is just the way its going to be".
when water gets stagnant, we breed mosquitoes. The mosquitoes of routine that suck living blood out of others. The mosquitoes of meaninglessness and falsehood that suck life, rather than give it.
So what do we do, so what do we do?
Is there light at the end of the tunnel? Or do we shrink back on our couches, and shove all under the rug?
In jeanette's words, do we die to pride, learn to udnerstand, embrace each other and face our truths?
Or do we simply dabble in the pleasure of calling ourselves christians, behind the veil of a church community, and proudly hold our camps procalaiming a resurrected God when we're in perpetual lent?
I am not like the many who chose to stay. In honest confession, I am quite dilattente, without the heart of commitment. And saying so, it wasnt right of me to leave. But returning, doesnt do it quite right as well.
BUT i have seen people dying to make things work, and dying to break out of disillusionment. And there is nothing sadder than a man's spirit broken.
Do not keep it this way. Encouragement and affirmation isnt enough. Inspire! Inspire each other through actions. Yesterday we live with disappointments, and regret. Thats what the gift of today is for! To undo, to forgive, to hope.
Be wary that cries, unheard long enough, becomes muffled, and eventually silenced. Our wounds either heal, or they learn to get along callused, hardened. I have heard cries, and perhaps i was once crying. Be careful not to let them go unheard anymore. I would imagine, the worst one can possibly end up in, is the callousness of cynicism.
Its reckless to think that this is not a tumultous time, a time for change, and a time for revival.
Its foolish to think that 'where i am is enough'.
What we have in such moments of (in this case) pain, is opportunity. And if we seize it, we have a chance of changing the world. Yes, CHANGING THE WORLD. A man's world of disappointment, a friend's world of despair, a stranger's world of hurt. Yes, we can change the world.
Or, we can go on. Tomorrow's another day.
I would end of with RI's theme song, and that of the gulf war's to inspire men to continue a fight, many perceive to be long forsaken.
" Stand Tall, stand proud. The voices that care..are crying out loud."
Listen to the birth pangs of change that these voices that care are time and again calling out.
Marcus
I would apologise first, because i already know this is going to be quite a polemic. But i'll be as constructive about it as i can.
Naturally, the highlighted "walk away" caught my attention.
Is walking away cowardice? When 'the shit hits the fence', does it reflect a certain weakness of character, when one walks out?
Its really strange that the flaw is on the person who walked out, rather on what he or she walked out on.
Be careful that its only because we remain, that we point the finger at those who leave.
In my time away,there's one thing that constantly nagged at me. Perhaps posting it out for all to comment and think about, will actually help me and all who might think alike, that hasnt voiced.
I would think, quintessentially, what behooves the more enthusiastic few in community is this- lukewarmness. We dont walk the talk. We have our limitations that we exaggerate more than work at.
When we chat, on comm, on visions and missions, our common language ends up all too often in a sigh.
Its a resignation that says "this is just the way its going to be".
when water gets stagnant, we breed mosquitoes. The mosquitoes of routine that suck living blood out of others. The mosquitoes of meaninglessness and falsehood that suck life, rather than give it.
So what do we do, so what do we do?
Is there light at the end of the tunnel? Or do we shrink back on our couches, and shove all under the rug?
In jeanette's words, do we die to pride, learn to udnerstand, embrace each other and face our truths?
Or do we simply dabble in the pleasure of calling ourselves christians, behind the veil of a church community, and proudly hold our camps procalaiming a resurrected God when we're in perpetual lent?
I am not like the many who chose to stay. In honest confession, I am quite dilattente, without the heart of commitment. And saying so, it wasnt right of me to leave. But returning, doesnt do it quite right as well.
BUT i have seen people dying to make things work, and dying to break out of disillusionment. And there is nothing sadder than a man's spirit broken.
Do not keep it this way. Encouragement and affirmation isnt enough. Inspire! Inspire each other through actions. Yesterday we live with disappointments, and regret. Thats what the gift of today is for! To undo, to forgive, to hope.
Be wary that cries, unheard long enough, becomes muffled, and eventually silenced. Our wounds either heal, or they learn to get along callused, hardened. I have heard cries, and perhaps i was once crying. Be careful not to let them go unheard anymore. I would imagine, the worst one can possibly end up in, is the callousness of cynicism.
Its reckless to think that this is not a tumultous time, a time for change, and a time for revival.
Its foolish to think that 'where i am is enough'.
What we have in such moments of (in this case) pain, is opportunity. And if we seize it, we have a chance of changing the world. Yes, CHANGING THE WORLD. A man's world of disappointment, a friend's world of despair, a stranger's world of hurt. Yes, we can change the world.
Or, we can go on. Tomorrow's another day.
I would end of with RI's theme song, and that of the gulf war's to inspire men to continue a fight, many perceive to be long forsaken.
" Stand Tall, stand proud. The voices that care..are crying out loud."
Listen to the birth pangs of change that these voices that care are time and again calling out.
Marcus
Day 2: You are not an accident
Indeed! I am not an accident.
The bible says,"Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the FOCUS of his love."
Sister Joy(actually her name is joy in latin but its too qim so i remember her name in translation) also shared today about how we are the one and only one in all of human history, that special and that unique.
i like Rick Warren's way of making this already simple idea into a even simpler one:
"God had a plan in creating you. Ir doesnt matter whether your parents are good or bad or indifferent. God knew that those 2 individuals possessed exactly the right genetic makeup to create the custom "you" he had in mind. They had the DNA God wanted to make you."
A little sharing about the retreat.
Whenever i go for retreats, I always recall the best retreat i have ever attended.
And it was MSC's first silent retreat.
3 days of silence, even meal times.
We were all apprehensive in the beiginning but when we ended the retreat, we shared for three hours how we had all experienced God and how he had taught us so much.
Just me and my bible and my journal and God made wonders.
So i was already planning in my head, how i want to vounteeer to plan the next silent retreat.
I think the bukit timah retreat place is excelllent and so i was thinking of planning morning runs and hiking in the jungle around Bukit timah hill. I really really think one can find god in nature.
Today was the first time i attended Latin Gregorian Chant mass and it was celebrated by Fr Valerian Cheong.
Almost everything was sung! And as usual, the part that i am super enthu is Pater Noster.
After mass, samuel asked me(singing), " how is the ma-ass?"
And i replied, singing, " It was go-o-o-o-o-d-d-d-d..."
Today, i also led worship with Samuel and it has been a long time.
Really brough back fond memories of those days.
I think God has blessed me with the gift of leading P and W.
But often i do not put in enough effort to plan.
I also feel that i should attend some course to further improve my skill and technique.
One new committment i am gonna do is to have my own p and w song file.
and the reason is because for every song, i intend to write phrases and link bible passages to them.
All the P and W i have led before, i lost all the amazing passages that God inspired me to choose.
Today;s was very well linked, praise the Lord.
And this is an example of how i want to do it.
Song 1: Come Away:
Bible: Jesus calls his first disciple, Mark 1:16-20
This is about how Jesus invited his disciples to be fishers of man and the disciples left everything behind and followed him. Jesus was also asking us at the retreat to come away and spend some time with him. Do we have the courage to leave everything behind and follow him?
Song 2: Still:
Bible: Jesus Calms a Storm, Mark 4:35-41
Jesus could calm the storm in the story. so can he calm and make still the storms in our lives.
When the oceans rise and thunders roar, i will soar with you above the storm....
Song 3: Through it all
Bible: Parable of the Prodigal Son
But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. he ran ad put his arms around him and kissed him.
The songs speaks of everlasting arms!
Also, the passage said," when he had spent everything a severe famine took place throughout the country"
this links the passage to the previous song!
Ha. countless times, god just leads me to the passages.
praise him!!!
had alot more to say but the post is too long.
good bye!
raymond
The bible says,"Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the FOCUS of his love."
Sister Joy(actually her name is joy in latin but its too qim so i remember her name in translation) also shared today about how we are the one and only one in all of human history, that special and that unique.
i like Rick Warren's way of making this already simple idea into a even simpler one:
"God had a plan in creating you. Ir doesnt matter whether your parents are good or bad or indifferent. God knew that those 2 individuals possessed exactly the right genetic makeup to create the custom "you" he had in mind. They had the DNA God wanted to make you."
A little sharing about the retreat.
Whenever i go for retreats, I always recall the best retreat i have ever attended.
And it was MSC's first silent retreat.
3 days of silence, even meal times.
We were all apprehensive in the beiginning but when we ended the retreat, we shared for three hours how we had all experienced God and how he had taught us so much.
Just me and my bible and my journal and God made wonders.
So i was already planning in my head, how i want to vounteeer to plan the next silent retreat.
I think the bukit timah retreat place is excelllent and so i was thinking of planning morning runs and hiking in the jungle around Bukit timah hill. I really really think one can find god in nature.
Today was the first time i attended Latin Gregorian Chant mass and it was celebrated by Fr Valerian Cheong.
Almost everything was sung! And as usual, the part that i am super enthu is Pater Noster.
After mass, samuel asked me(singing), " how is the ma-ass?"
And i replied, singing, " It was go-o-o-o-o-d-d-d-d..."
Today, i also led worship with Samuel and it has been a long time.
Really brough back fond memories of those days.
I think God has blessed me with the gift of leading P and W.
But often i do not put in enough effort to plan.
I also feel that i should attend some course to further improve my skill and technique.
One new committment i am gonna do is to have my own p and w song file.
and the reason is because for every song, i intend to write phrases and link bible passages to them.
All the P and W i have led before, i lost all the amazing passages that God inspired me to choose.
Today;s was very well linked, praise the Lord.
And this is an example of how i want to do it.
Song 1: Come Away:
Bible: Jesus calls his first disciple, Mark 1:16-20
This is about how Jesus invited his disciples to be fishers of man and the disciples left everything behind and followed him. Jesus was also asking us at the retreat to come away and spend some time with him. Do we have the courage to leave everything behind and follow him?
Song 2: Still:
Bible: Jesus Calms a Storm, Mark 4:35-41
Jesus could calm the storm in the story. so can he calm and make still the storms in our lives.
When the oceans rise and thunders roar, i will soar with you above the storm....
Song 3: Through it all
Bible: Parable of the Prodigal Son
But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. he ran ad put his arms around him and kissed him.
The songs speaks of everlasting arms!
Also, the passage said," when he had spent everything a severe famine took place throughout the country"
this links the passage to the previous song!
Ha. countless times, god just leads me to the passages.
praise him!!!
had alot more to say but the post is too long.
good bye!
raymond
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Day 1: It all starts with God
Just had confession.
Feels great and this sacrament is really a grace.
In the past, i used to go straight to my penance.
Nowadays, i spend some time thanking God for this sacrament first. And thanking him for dying on the cross and for coming out victorious. I try to feel the pain of the passion. And finally, I just praise him for performing magic and removing al my sins so i can live freely.
WOOT WOOT!!!
Then i say my penance.
Just a little side track. Father damien de wind is so funny. he has this cards with the picture of jesus and the healing prayer and he is always giving them out!
This is the FOURTH time he has given it to me! Like after SMU masses all he also give! WHO IS SPONSORING THE MILLIONS OF CARDS!!
Ha. Today is the first time i attended mass at St Theresa's church since they renovated. And its GORGEOUSLY WHITE. No wonder people want to get married there. As a result, me and my friends went to take alot of scenic shots of the church. Hope to share them with you guys on the blog soon.
Anyway, after mass was confession (upside down i dunno why) then i went to read PDL.
PDL is such an amazing book i bought 6 and have since given all of them away.
Anyone going to the Phillippines? I want to buy more for S$6!!!
Anyway, reading day 1 reminds me of the dinner talk i went to when Rick Warren came down to Singapore personally!!
I still want to thank god and ask God to bless that nice protestant who blessed 5 of us with free dinner at expo even though we are catholics! He belongs to the church near downtown east and i think his genorousity shows that he is a true Chrsitian.
At the talk, Rick Warren said that Atheists have more faith than he does. He first asks these questions:
"Would u say that you possess 1/10000 of all the knowledge in the world?"
"NO?..."
"Then how can u be sure that God doesnt exist in the 9999/10000 part of the world that you do not know of?!"
I was like WOW>....
And in PDL today, Bertrand Russel, an aethist, said," Unless you assume a God, the question of life's purpose is meaningless"
that reminds me of what Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope benedict once said!
"Self created meaning is no meaning alas. hence the meaning of life has to be handed down and not created."
Real words of wisdom. No wonder he is pope and i am not. Haiz.
Other phrases that striked me today were:
1. But being successful and fulfilling your life's purpose are not at all the same!
2. It is not about how to cram more activities into an overloaded schedule.
I KNOW...
3. Actually, this book will teach you how to do less in life by focusing on what matters most.
First thing i thought of was how i will have to give up other activities for more prayer time.
Anyway my lenten resolution is daily mass, stations of the cross and fasting on fridays.
Somehow the hunger really makes me feel close to god.
I think its because every time my stomach growl, i am reminded of the reason why i am doing this. and also because i realise how small i am and that i am ultimately dependent on god for food, else i die.
Praise God,
Raymond.
Feels great and this sacrament is really a grace.
In the past, i used to go straight to my penance.
Nowadays, i spend some time thanking God for this sacrament first. And thanking him for dying on the cross and for coming out victorious. I try to feel the pain of the passion. And finally, I just praise him for performing magic and removing al my sins so i can live freely.
WOOT WOOT!!!
Then i say my penance.
Just a little side track. Father damien de wind is so funny. he has this cards with the picture of jesus and the healing prayer and he is always giving them out!
This is the FOURTH time he has given it to me! Like after SMU masses all he also give! WHO IS SPONSORING THE MILLIONS OF CARDS!!
Ha. Today is the first time i attended mass at St Theresa's church since they renovated. And its GORGEOUSLY WHITE. No wonder people want to get married there. As a result, me and my friends went to take alot of scenic shots of the church. Hope to share them with you guys on the blog soon.
Anyway, after mass was confession (upside down i dunno why) then i went to read PDL.
PDL is such an amazing book i bought 6 and have since given all of them away.
Anyone going to the Phillippines? I want to buy more for S$6!!!
Anyway, reading day 1 reminds me of the dinner talk i went to when Rick Warren came down to Singapore personally!!
I still want to thank god and ask God to bless that nice protestant who blessed 5 of us with free dinner at expo even though we are catholics! He belongs to the church near downtown east and i think his genorousity shows that he is a true Chrsitian.
At the talk, Rick Warren said that Atheists have more faith than he does. He first asks these questions:
"Would u say that you possess 1/10000 of all the knowledge in the world?"
"NO?..."
"Then how can u be sure that God doesnt exist in the 9999/10000 part of the world that you do not know of?!"
I was like WOW>....
And in PDL today, Bertrand Russel, an aethist, said," Unless you assume a God, the question of life's purpose is meaningless"
that reminds me of what Cardinal Ratzinger, now Pope benedict once said!
"Self created meaning is no meaning alas. hence the meaning of life has to be handed down and not created."
Real words of wisdom. No wonder he is pope and i am not. Haiz.
Other phrases that striked me today were:
1. But being successful and fulfilling your life's purpose are not at all the same!
2. It is not about how to cram more activities into an overloaded schedule.
I KNOW...
3. Actually, this book will teach you how to do less in life by focusing on what matters most.
First thing i thought of was how i will have to give up other activities for more prayer time.
Anyway my lenten resolution is daily mass, stations of the cross and fasting on fridays.
Somehow the hunger really makes me feel close to god.
I think its because every time my stomach growl, i am reminded of the reason why i am doing this. and also because i realise how small i am and that i am ultimately dependent on god for food, else i die.
Praise God,
Raymond.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Today is Ash Wednesday.
Its Ash Wednesday and the nexr 40 days is going to be filled with prayer, penance, stations of the cross.
And i am looking forward to this period of grace. Why? Because seeing everyone putting in the extra effort inspires me too!
Anyway with all the confusion in community now, i dunno how we can make communal decisions so i am just going to INVITE each and everyone of you from BCG to read the purpose driven life book and to share it with the others, so that those who do not feel like lent means anything might be inspired by us.
Would just like to conclude with this:
As not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.
I have heard enough complaints from people about the state of the community.
As not what the community can do for you, but what you can do for the community!
You cant change others. Stop hoping that some miracle might happen.
Instead change yourself, everyday!
And then we will soon realise that the whole community has changed.
I learnt a lesson years ago when my relationship with the community was bad. after mass, i would hide in the room cause i didnt want to talk to people. it was really a period of desolation, from god and the people around me who used to matter to me so much,
And i realised that that was because my relationship with God was bad, and the foundation of my relationship(GOD!!!) with everyone in community was shakened.
So I think for those who are struggling with community, maybe we can all start focusing on god and the problems will gradually become smaller and insignificant.
Some have shared at joshua's place on Tues night that they are seeking god more outside community.
I see nothing wrong in that. in fact, i think its great!!!
if only we all went out to seek god, our community would be overwhelming with love!
so i wish us all the best this lent.
may those who are passionate rely on god's strength and be patient with those lukewarm.
amen!
Raymond.
p.s.this is not a rara message. i hate rara messages. its just sharing from my heart. i mean everything i said. i hope they are not too random to understand cause i didnt check what i wrote and i dun intend to do so
bye
And i am looking forward to this period of grace. Why? Because seeing everyone putting in the extra effort inspires me too!
Anyway with all the confusion in community now, i dunno how we can make communal decisions so i am just going to INVITE each and everyone of you from BCG to read the purpose driven life book and to share it with the others, so that those who do not feel like lent means anything might be inspired by us.
Would just like to conclude with this:
As not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.
I have heard enough complaints from people about the state of the community.
As not what the community can do for you, but what you can do for the community!
You cant change others. Stop hoping that some miracle might happen.
Instead change yourself, everyday!
And then we will soon realise that the whole community has changed.
I learnt a lesson years ago when my relationship with the community was bad. after mass, i would hide in the room cause i didnt want to talk to people. it was really a period of desolation, from god and the people around me who used to matter to me so much,
And i realised that that was because my relationship with God was bad, and the foundation of my relationship(GOD!!!) with everyone in community was shakened.
So I think for those who are struggling with community, maybe we can all start focusing on god and the problems will gradually become smaller and insignificant.
Some have shared at joshua's place on Tues night that they are seeking god more outside community.
I see nothing wrong in that. in fact, i think its great!!!
if only we all went out to seek god, our community would be overwhelming with love!
so i wish us all the best this lent.
may those who are passionate rely on god's strength and be patient with those lukewarm.
amen!
Raymond.
p.s.this is not a rara message. i hate rara messages. its just sharing from my heart. i mean everything i said. i hope they are not too random to understand cause i didnt check what i wrote and i dun intend to do so
bye
Welcome home
To where we all belong...
Vatican City, Rome, Italy. 6th November 2006, 18:11hrs
Vatican City, Rome, Italy. 6th November 2006, 18:20hrs
Note: Raymond claims the Istana - it being 67 football fields - is BIGGER than Vatican.
Info:
Vatican City 44ha (http://wikitravel.org/en/Vatican_City)
Istana 1.3ha (http://www.nparks.gov.sg/park13.asp)
What say you? You decide.
Vatican City, Rome, Italy. 6th November 2006, 18:11hrs
Vatican City, Rome, Italy. 6th November 2006, 18:20hrs
Note: Raymond claims the Istana - it being 67 football fields - is BIGGER than Vatican.
Info:
Vatican City 44ha (http://wikitravel.org/en/Vatican_City)
Istana 1.3ha (http://www.nparks.gov.sg/park13.asp)
What say you? You decide.
Its funny...
Its funny how simple incidents can impact you. Deeply.
This CNY holiday ended with a misunderstanding with a friend, maybe two. And it could have been a small matter but it got out of proportion somehow. Whatever the case, I am sure it happened for a reason of which I am still trying to figure out. Meanwhile, I am still in a daze.
As I read Kenny's email to MSC this morning (Papal Lenten Message 2007 - 'God Himself begs the love of His creature'), I am challenged and reminded that the call every Lenten season is to pick up our cross and carry.. and walk in the desert with Jesus once again. The easiest way out in every situation is to just walk away. But I am challenged further to 'die' (quite literally) to myself and scream "Father, not my will but Yours be done".
Dying to pride is one. Learning to understand, love and embrace another is two. Having to face truths about yourself is three - and the most painful as well.
I wish Easter will arrive tomorrow, but it will not until i walk through the desert.
Rachelle
This CNY holiday ended with a misunderstanding with a friend, maybe two. And it could have been a small matter but it got out of proportion somehow. Whatever the case, I am sure it happened for a reason of which I am still trying to figure out. Meanwhile, I am still in a daze.
As I read Kenny's email to MSC this morning (Papal Lenten Message 2007 - 'God Himself begs the love of His creature'), I am challenged and reminded that the call every Lenten season is to pick up our cross and carry.. and walk in the desert with Jesus once again. The easiest way out in every situation is to just walk away. But I am challenged further to 'die' (quite literally) to myself and scream "Father, not my will but Yours be done".
Dying to pride is one. Learning to understand, love and embrace another is two. Having to face truths about yourself is three - and the most painful as well.
I wish Easter will arrive tomorrow, but it will not until i walk through the desert.
Rachelle
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Happy CHINESE New Year!
Hi friends of BEST CELL GROUP, just wanna wish you GONG XI FA CAI!!!
Cant wait for our Saturday gathering at Mel Wu's place. Someone please remind me to buy drinks k!
Off to serious stuff for now...
When I PIOed about CNY gathering last week, only 3 people replied.
Does that mean the rest are not going or cant be bothered? or lack the courtesy to reply?
I think this is found in the bible: if we cannot be trusted with small things, how can we expect god to entrust big things to us.
I interpret it (in community lingo) as if people cant be bothered with simple things, how will they ever be bothered with bigger things.
feel free to say what u feel.
deep sharing is what we want anyway right?
Yours in Christ,
Raymond Tan
Cant wait for our Saturday gathering at Mel Wu's place. Someone please remind me to buy drinks k!
Off to serious stuff for now...
When I PIOed about CNY gathering last week, only 3 people replied.
Does that mean the rest are not going or cant be bothered? or lack the courtesy to reply?
I think this is found in the bible: if we cannot be trusted with small things, how can we expect god to entrust big things to us.
I interpret it (in community lingo) as if people cant be bothered with simple things, how will they ever be bothered with bigger things.
feel free to say what u feel.
deep sharing is what we want anyway right?
Yours in Christ,
Raymond Tan
Happy CHINESE New Year!
Hi friends of BEST CELL GROUP, just wanna wish you GONG XI FA CAI!!!
Cant wait for our Saturday gathering at Mel Wu's place. Someone please remind me to buy drinks k!
to serious stuff for now...
When I PIOed about CNY gathering last week, only 3 people replied.
Does that mean the rest are not going or cant be bothered? or lack the courtesy to reply?
I think this is found in the bible: if we cannot be trusted with small things, how can we expect god to entrust big things to us.
I interpret it (in community lingo) as if people cant be bothered with simple things, how will they ever be bothered with bigger things.
feel free to say what u feel.
deep sharing is what we want anyway right?
Cant wait for our Saturday gathering at Mel Wu's place. Someone please remind me to buy drinks k!
to serious stuff for now...
When I PIOed about CNY gathering last week, only 3 people replied.
Does that mean the rest are not going or cant be bothered? or lack the courtesy to reply?
I think this is found in the bible: if we cannot be trusted with small things, how can we expect god to entrust big things to us.
I interpret it (in community lingo) as if people cant be bothered with simple things, how will they ever be bothered with bigger things.
feel free to say what u feel.
deep sharing is what we want anyway right?
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Are you an alien?
i must say i feel like an alien to this. i use to livejournal.com but that was years ago. And i am definitely not a blogger.
But in all true community style, i will pen down to keep this going. More so, i would like use this as my form of thanksgiving and my praise and my way of being accountable to each of you. never mind if you do not feel the same, i only hope to continue to keep myself in check and somewhere down the road, find each of you walking with me.
1. I went for mass 2 out of 5 days last week
2. Its thurs and i went 0 out of 4 days this week. I must make it to mass tom.
3. I am not so discipline, I have made a decision to go for mass morning mass every Monday and Friday for now. Any takers?
4. I have not written my magnificat. I will write it SOON.
------
Ash wednesday is coming. Amazing how time flies? Jesus is calling us to return once again. In this topic of ashes, i was praying in the ador the thurs before i left for Bali and i had this terrible feeling i would not make it back to Singapore. I feared death and I felt it coming for me. (very drama-fashion, but i really had that fear)
I was praying hard for the grace to accept whatever was to come. And I thought about all the things that i have yet to make right... and I said that i would work on it should i make it back. So here I am and here were some things i thought of.
1. Family - True Forgiveness and appreciation; challenge to have proper conversations with each of them
2. Friends - Treat the ex's with respect and integrity
3. Community - Love and get to know each one at a deeper level
4. Prayer Life - Work harder at it
Its amazing what comes out when you sense death. You realise there are so many things in your life to work on. Go ahead and reflect.. What if you never woke up tom..? And you will know what is most important to you.
Side note: I went surfing in Bali and its so fun!!! I stood on my very first try - how cool is that! I have this dream of quitting of doing nothing but surf for 3-6months, doing nothing but just chasing waves. Then again.. we'll see.
Praise God for Mel and Colin who found new jobs. He really takes care of us all.
And Praise God for transfering me to another dept which I've been wanting to go to. God has def been good to me over the past year, things have been really smooth at work. I fear what is ahead of me, but i can only continue to pray that He will take care of everything and i can only continue to rely and trust.
I'll end here. Sorry for being so random. I said - I'm not a blogger. :)
Rachelle.
But in all true community style, i will pen down to keep this going. More so, i would like use this as my form of thanksgiving and my praise and my way of being accountable to each of you. never mind if you do not feel the same, i only hope to continue to keep myself in check and somewhere down the road, find each of you walking with me.
1. I went for mass 2 out of 5 days last week
2. Its thurs and i went 0 out of 4 days this week. I must make it to mass tom.
3. I am not so discipline, I have made a decision to go for mass morning mass every Monday and Friday for now. Any takers?
4. I have not written my magnificat. I will write it SOON.
------
Ash wednesday is coming. Amazing how time flies? Jesus is calling us to return once again. In this topic of ashes, i was praying in the ador the thurs before i left for Bali and i had this terrible feeling i would not make it back to Singapore. I feared death and I felt it coming for me. (very drama-fashion, but i really had that fear)
I was praying hard for the grace to accept whatever was to come. And I thought about all the things that i have yet to make right... and I said that i would work on it should i make it back. So here I am and here were some things i thought of.
1. Family - True Forgiveness and appreciation; challenge to have proper conversations with each of them
2. Friends - Treat the ex's with respect and integrity
3. Community - Love and get to know each one at a deeper level
4. Prayer Life - Work harder at it
Its amazing what comes out when you sense death. You realise there are so many things in your life to work on. Go ahead and reflect.. What if you never woke up tom..? And you will know what is most important to you.
Side note: I went surfing in Bali and its so fun!!! I stood on my very first try - how cool is that! I have this dream of quitting of doing nothing but surf for 3-6months, doing nothing but just chasing waves. Then again.. we'll see.
Praise God for Mel and Colin who found new jobs. He really takes care of us all.
And Praise God for transfering me to another dept which I've been wanting to go to. God has def been good to me over the past year, things have been really smooth at work. I fear what is ahead of me, but i can only continue to pray that He will take care of everything and i can only continue to rely and trust.
I'll end here. Sorry for being so random. I said - I'm not a blogger. :)
Rachelle.
magnificate
My Lord
My soul sings out to the Lord,
in my mind and in my dreams.
My soul sings out to the Lord,
when I am awake and in my sleep.
My soul sings out to the Lord,
when I am happy and when I am sad.
And I would love to praise Him high on the mountain tops,
forever and ever I will be.
His my Beloved and He will always be in the center of my heart.
My Lord, I pray that You would stay with me forever and never me go.
I would hold on to You tight always and never we shall part.
I love You Jesus,my Beloved...
my Lord,
and my King...
With Your most Holy and precious name..Amen
Love
Suzanne
My soul sings out to the Lord,
in my mind and in my dreams.
My soul sings out to the Lord,
when I am awake and in my sleep.
My soul sings out to the Lord,
when I am happy and when I am sad.
And I would love to praise Him high on the mountain tops,
forever and ever I will be.
His my Beloved and He will always be in the center of my heart.
My Lord, I pray that You would stay with me forever and never me go.
I would hold on to You tight always and never we shall part.
I love You Jesus,my Beloved...
my Lord,
and my King...
With Your most Holy and precious name..Amen
Love
Suzanne
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
The art of blogging...
Praise God! our shineshine Ray has started blogging already. Anyway, thanks Raymond for starting the ball rolling.I wanted to join in the fun too before, but was hoping probably one of you to start first..pretty sneaky huh..hehe? Okay, here's to start the day. I have got to share with you all of a dream thatI had earlier before I woke up. It was a pretty cynical one but I kinda liked it because It makes me realise how much of MSC has become part of my life. Anyway, here goes...
I dreamt that I was in church celebrating mass with you guys and suddenly you guys were no longer there. As if you guys have disappeared. I felt all alone.I went downstairs to the garden and weep.There was really sadness overwhelming me. There were blood in my tears. I remembered I cried for so long in my dream before I woke up. The irony was,I was happy about the dream that I had. Not only was I relieved that it was only a dream, but the dream has made me realised how much significance of MSC has become of my life.
Ray is right by the way, in saying that we should be radical in our God's ministry. As for me,I find that in serving ministry,If there's something outrageous that they would wish to do, but might be afraid of some form prejudice, one should just go ahead and do it,because if the rest who would wish to join in, magically the rest will simultaneously follow suit in joining in the fun as well. I guess most importantly, one must find the love in what they do, and from there they take charge of the situation. Cause at the end of the day,each form ministry is truly worthwell, but must also realise that it should be fun too, or else it might sap out the joy in it all. Seriousness with a pinch of fun makes it a fun approach to ministry as well, don't you think? On well, here's a little token from me from this special and beautiful morning...Have a blessed valentines days guys!With lots and lots of love. *Hugs*
Love, from your sister in Christ..
Suzanne
I dreamt that I was in church celebrating mass with you guys and suddenly you guys were no longer there. As if you guys have disappeared. I felt all alone.I went downstairs to the garden and weep.There was really sadness overwhelming me. There were blood in my tears. I remembered I cried for so long in my dream before I woke up. The irony was,I was happy about the dream that I had. Not only was I relieved that it was only a dream, but the dream has made me realised how much significance of MSC has become of my life.
Ray is right by the way, in saying that we should be radical in our God's ministry. As for me,I find that in serving ministry,If there's something outrageous that they would wish to do, but might be afraid of some form prejudice, one should just go ahead and do it,because if the rest who would wish to join in, magically the rest will simultaneously follow suit in joining in the fun as well. I guess most importantly, one must find the love in what they do, and from there they take charge of the situation. Cause at the end of the day,each form ministry is truly worthwell, but must also realise that it should be fun too, or else it might sap out the joy in it all. Seriousness with a pinch of fun makes it a fun approach to ministry as well, don't you think? On well, here's a little token from me from this special and beautiful morning...Have a blessed valentines days guys!With lots and lots of love. *Hugs*
Love, from your sister in Christ..
Suzanne
Monday, February 12, 2007
Accountability
Last last sunday, we had sharing on sunday under that umbrella and every was saying how they wish to be closer to god.
and i posted a question," are we all waiting for someone to be radical and spur us forth? what if there is not one person in community? why dont we be the ones who are radical?"
fine. that was three questions but anyway we decided to do something about it and not leave it to faith.
i recall saying that we sometimes want to give all glory to god and hence we try to think that our holiness is not from us.
we say that the desire to pray and be close to god is a god given grace. but we have heard people saying PRAY FOR THE GRACE.
so in this case, if we pray for the grace so that we can pray more, doesnt it mean that we are the one proactivley breaking the vicious cycle?
so we committed to each other.
some were not ready to.
these are the ones who wanna try haha
Jeanette: go for morning mass everyday
Justin: In addition to praying the rosary every evening, he will pray it every morning
Raymond: go for mass everyday.
last week. i went 2 out of 5 days. but yay i got my confession.
this week, i have gone for 2 out of 2 days! may i keep it up and keep it close to the Lord, AMEN!
raymond theodore raphael
and i posted a question," are we all waiting for someone to be radical and spur us forth? what if there is not one person in community? why dont we be the ones who are radical?"
fine. that was three questions but anyway we decided to do something about it and not leave it to faith.
i recall saying that we sometimes want to give all glory to god and hence we try to think that our holiness is not from us.
we say that the desire to pray and be close to god is a god given grace. but we have heard people saying PRAY FOR THE GRACE.
so in this case, if we pray for the grace so that we can pray more, doesnt it mean that we are the one proactivley breaking the vicious cycle?
so we committed to each other.
some were not ready to.
these are the ones who wanna try haha
Jeanette: go for morning mass everyday
Justin: In addition to praying the rosary every evening, he will pray it every morning
Raymond: go for mass everyday.
last week. i went 2 out of 5 days. but yay i got my confession.
this week, i have gone for 2 out of 2 days! may i keep it up and keep it close to the Lord, AMEN!
raymond theodore raphael
Of Mass and Mother Theresa
Just came back from lunch time mass at the cathedral.
It was great to be at mass.
Although I know every mass is the same, I am human after all.
And there are some masses u just feel like shedding a tear, or two.
Today was one of those days.
I was hiding in this room desperately trying to study for my statistics exams.
And i just couldnt concentrate.
So i took out my new novel called THE ENEMY OF GOD hahaha.
Saw it at Sunny bookstore yesterday when i went to Far East to cut hair for CNY!
Its about a roman catholic priest falling off a building and the detectives going around to find out if he was murdered of committed suicide. Hmmm.
Anyway after reading for a while, like an hour, I tried studying and I HATE THE TEXT.
The prof must make simple things looks difficult and its a real challenge to my huge brains.
So i was super stressed. Know that i have to study, yet NO MOOD>
so i looked at my watch and viola! it was one pm!
mass was at 115pm
ended up at the cathedral and guess what.
the opening hymn was SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD>
this is the third time God has spoken to me thru this song, or rather the song title, when i am very stressed with studies.
I recall studying for the A levels and how we used to take up half the room at Serangoon Gardens Country club and we will all vacate at six pm for mass.
those were the days when even jude david was studying with us. oh man.
and at mass (in the basement then), i was so stressed and god pointed out this passage in my mind!
SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD!
(wow. god spoke in old english too. luckily i understand)
and within one second i swear, the announcer said, the thanksgiving song is
SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD!
and i was like wow. god u are really saying something to me.
and then i flipped the hymnal and instantly my fingers flipped to
SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD!
God spoke to me and affirmed me THREE times in THREE seconds.
How can i ever forget his great love for me?
So back to the cathedral, i was like wow god, thank you.
i always belived that when my problems seem too big for me, all i need is a paradigm shift.
once i look at god who is so big, then my problems seem so small
and that is why i am spending PRECIOUS time now setting up a blog and testifying and glorifying.
Just a short sharing before i go off.
During my Analytical Skills class, somewhat like philosophy, my prof said:
"have u seen how mother theresa smiles? its hedious! there is no happiness in her"
I was very angry but instead of rebutting in true SMU style, i chose to ponder in my heart instead.
And i realised that mother theresa was full of joy and whether she was happy or not doesnt matter.
Joy is better than happiness.
Thats why saints feel joy when they are being tortured for Christ's sake!
In all things,
Praise God.
raymond theodore raphael.
It was great to be at mass.
Although I know every mass is the same, I am human after all.
And there are some masses u just feel like shedding a tear, or two.
Today was one of those days.
I was hiding in this room desperately trying to study for my statistics exams.
And i just couldnt concentrate.
So i took out my new novel called THE ENEMY OF GOD hahaha.
Saw it at Sunny bookstore yesterday when i went to Far East to cut hair for CNY!
Its about a roman catholic priest falling off a building and the detectives going around to find out if he was murdered of committed suicide. Hmmm.
Anyway after reading for a while, like an hour, I tried studying and I HATE THE TEXT.
The prof must make simple things looks difficult and its a real challenge to my huge brains.
So i was super stressed. Know that i have to study, yet NO MOOD>
so i looked at my watch and viola! it was one pm!
mass was at 115pm
ended up at the cathedral and guess what.
the opening hymn was SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD>
this is the third time God has spoken to me thru this song, or rather the song title, when i am very stressed with studies.
I recall studying for the A levels and how we used to take up half the room at Serangoon Gardens Country club and we will all vacate at six pm for mass.
those were the days when even jude david was studying with us. oh man.
and at mass (in the basement then), i was so stressed and god pointed out this passage in my mind!
SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD!
(wow. god spoke in old english too. luckily i understand)
and within one second i swear, the announcer said, the thanksgiving song is
SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD!
and i was like wow. god u are really saying something to me.
and then i flipped the hymnal and instantly my fingers flipped to
SEEK YE FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD!
God spoke to me and affirmed me THREE times in THREE seconds.
How can i ever forget his great love for me?
So back to the cathedral, i was like wow god, thank you.
i always belived that when my problems seem too big for me, all i need is a paradigm shift.
once i look at god who is so big, then my problems seem so small
and that is why i am spending PRECIOUS time now setting up a blog and testifying and glorifying.
Just a short sharing before i go off.
During my Analytical Skills class, somewhat like philosophy, my prof said:
"have u seen how mother theresa smiles? its hedious! there is no happiness in her"
I was very angry but instead of rebutting in true SMU style, i chose to ponder in my heart instead.
And i realised that mother theresa was full of joy and whether she was happy or not doesnt matter.
Joy is better than happiness.
Thats why saints feel joy when they are being tortured for Christ's sake!
In all things,
Praise God.
raymond theodore raphael.
Who are we?!!!
Oops!
this should be in the first post!
but anyway we are the all amazing fantastic god-loved:
Justin
Suzanne
Raymond
Valerie
Daphne
Beatrice
Mark
Mel Lee
Jeanette
Lionel
Ethan Nehemiah Melchisedek from of old (in HELLsinki)
Marcus (away)
And i realised we have to sign off our name else we dunch know who posted what ok!
this should be in the first post!
but anyway we are the all amazing fantastic god-loved:
Justin
Suzanne
Raymond
Valerie
Daphne
Beatrice
Mark
Mel Lee
Jeanette
Lionel
Ethan Nehemiah Melchisedek from of old (in HELLsinki)
Marcus (away)
And i realised we have to sign off our name else we dunch know who posted what ok!
Magnificat
2 weeks ago, we had treasure hunt in the city and when we reached our last stop, the tip of Fort Canning, we were told to write our own Magnificat!
Here's mine:
Lord, you are magnificent in my life
From conception to birth to death
You worked great wonders through my life
And worthy is your holy name
Lord, your wonders can be seen through the nature- plants and animals alike.
You filled the mountains, hills and knolls.
You dug the rivers, bays and seas
You planted the grass and tress and watched over all insects and animals
Lord, thank you for using lowly human beings like me to be co creators of yours!
The magnificent skyscrapers beyond this hill is your co-creation of wonder.
You alone deserve to be praised forever more.
Lord, you led people to great places.
From Egypt to the promised land
From China and India to Singapore
You prospered this land, from this hill where civilization started
May we always praise your glorious name forever.
Amen.
Written at Fort Canning on 28th jan 2007. MSC treasure hunt
Here's mine:
Lord, you are magnificent in my life
From conception to birth to death
You worked great wonders through my life
And worthy is your holy name
Lord, your wonders can be seen through the nature- plants and animals alike.
You filled the mountains, hills and knolls.
You dug the rivers, bays and seas
You planted the grass and tress and watched over all insects and animals
Lord, thank you for using lowly human beings like me to be co creators of yours!
The magnificent skyscrapers beyond this hill is your co-creation of wonder.
You alone deserve to be praised forever more.
Lord, you led people to great places.
From Egypt to the promised land
From China and India to Singapore
You prospered this land, from this hill where civilization started
May we always praise your glorious name forever.
Amen.
Written at Fort Canning on 28th jan 2007. MSC treasure hunt
Best Cell Group
We are the best cell group.
We are from Mustard Seed Community.
We rock.
Thats why we are found at www.mscbcgrocks.com
We are from Mustard Seed Community.
We rock.
Thats why we are found at www.mscbcgrocks.com
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