links and connections..

Because of God's love, we are all connected to many and many of His children.. all over the world.. and it is such a beautiful picture... to learn how to love and care for one other..; to inspire..; to protect..; to challenge, sometimes..; to just being there for one another..

I am thankful to Him for all my friends.. in all the forms and shapes that we are all in.. for all the connections He has allowed me to have.. whether short or long... whether on the surface or in depth.. Each is precious and significant. I feel very blessed as I reflect and give thanks to Him!.. *dancing in my heart, praising Him!*

few more pieces.. or just one more piece?

As I reflect today during my 1st retreat day in Agape.. Just felt that there are missing pieces... and the Lord will make them clear in His timing as to what, where, who, how they are.. At this moment, I have no clue what so ever.. maybe a little clue here and there but was about it.. 

Sometimes.. it can be rather challenging to be in this state and yet the peace of God is all I need to be where I am.. to trust Him a little more.. and to learn how to deal with the unbelief that I may have and I know I have them!.. I would be lying to say I have none.. *grin*

And,.. there are times where I would try to see if certain things fit into the picture He has for me.. Hence, this picture.. It can be rather discouraging when I thought that this could be the right piece but yet when trying to fit into the picture, it doesn't fit.. Oh well.. it is a matter of letting that go and wait.. hee.. and He has given me so much grace and love that I know with all my heart that it is worth the wait..

Even as I reflect about His goodness.. I just so thankful for His Love.. everlasting Love.. and the knowledge and truth that He will never fail me and He will provide exactly what I need and many a times, He would bless me with the things of my heart's desires which are just so mind-blowing that He cares so much to do that? *wink*

Our God reigns...

This tune just stuck in my head today after I heard it in church..... that truly, He reigns.. and
He reigns in all situations!..
How comforting that is.. really! Especially for me.. and I just wanna proclaim that indeed He reigns!.. And this allows me to recognise that I do have unbelief and able to ask God,
 "Lord, help me overcome my unbelief"
 (like the father in Mark 9:23 - 25) oooh.. Just love it when I am able to hear Him.. *grin*

A Life of God-worship...

Today at an event in church titled "God doesn't do waste".. this particular bible passage that was shared spoke to me... Matthew 6: 19-34 in 'Message' version.. 

*******

 ^19-21"Don't hoard treasure down here where it gets eaten by moths and corroded by rust or—worse!—stolen by burglars. Stockpile treasure in heaven, where it's safe from moth and rust and burglars. It's obvious, isn't it? The place where your treasure is, is the place you will most want to be, and end up being.

 ^22-23"Your eyes are windows into your body. If you open your eyes wide in wonder and belief, your body fills up with light. If you live squinty-eyed in greed and distrust, your body is a dank cellar. If you pull the blinds on your windows, what a dark life you will have!

 ²⁴"You can't worship two gods at once. Loving one god, you'll end up hating the other. Adoration of one feeds contempt for the other. You can't worship God and Money both.

 ^25-26"If you decide for God, living a life of God-worship, it follows that you don't fuss about what's on the table at mealtimes or whether the clothes in your closet are in fashion. There is far more to your life than the food you put in your stomach, more to your outer appearance than the clothes you hang on your body. Look at the birds, free and unfettered, not tied down to a job description, careless in the care of God. And you count far more to him than birds.

 ^27-29"Has anyone by fussing in front of the mirror ever gotten taller by so much as an inch? All this time and money wasted on fashion—do you think it makes that much difference? Instead of looking at the fashions, walk out into the fields and look at the wildflowers. They never primp or shop, but have you ever seen color and design quite like it? The ten best-dressed men and women in the country look shabby alongside them.

 ^30-33"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

 ³⁴"Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes.

*******

And the speaker talked something about relationships too.. that we are just too easy to waste relationships and not make effort to reconcile. Instead our first reaction is to get rid of relationships that are challenging rather quickly.. That really made me think.. and start thinking and reflecting on the relationships that I have.. And I think it is true.. somehow, the way how we respond is affected by the "consumerism" behaviour.. which is scary if we are sucked into that.

There is this one particular friendship that I am praying for restoration and reconciliation.. hmm.. wonder what would happen.. All I know is, it is in God's safe hands.. and that is good enough for me.. and I believe that in His Time, it will be restored and reconciled in a beautiful way... even though at this moment it looks very bleak!.. God can change the impossible to possible.. *grin*

Verdict on 16th June 2011...

My appointment with the Home Office is scheduled to be on 16th June 2011, 10am at Solihull branch.. This will determine whether I am staying on in Birmingham for the coming two years or not.. I will know whether I am getting the work visa.. First time ever I am going to Home Office in person.. hee.. Please pray with me.. as I fill in the form, make sure the necessary documents ready for inspection and that all things are in order to get the "green" light! If this is the will of God for me...

Kay.. time to zzz.. and wake up early to fill up the form.. :D

Serious?

(Pic from this website)

I think I am serious.. I am feeling homesick.. maybe it is the current living environment that is making me homesick? The sense of feeling trapped.. oh dear.. Why am I feeling this at this moment of time? I don't think it has anything to do with my friend-cum-landlady or does it?.. but there could be some hidden buttons being exposed and pressed that I could possibly need to face and overcome? Need to ask the good Lord...

This is so crazy but the feelings are real.. Well, at least I think they are real!.. I just want to go homeeeeeeeeeeeee.. It doesn't make sense, actually.. Hmm..  Lord, have mercy on me, please.. SOS! Or I wonder is it because I am burden-carrying for someone? The feelings are unbearable.. and I think I am possibly burden-carrying for someone.. for I hardly feel homesick!.. Lord, please allow me to differentiate.. and to pray and to intercede.. I need Your strength O Lord.. Thank You O Lord.. 

Directions..

Somehow, it just struck me today as I am at my 'old' friend's place, having to meet up with friends of 20-odd years.. that, the choices we made in life does determine where we are at and the directions we are going to take.. Well, I do know that but yet, today, it struck me more.. Hmm.. and even for myself, I never thought I would be where I am today.. the very things that I thought are important are no longer important anymore.. It would be nice to have them but I somehow have no urgency or urge to must have them. Perspectives have changed? Priorities have changed? Perhaps. And the beautiful and amazing discovery is that I am at peace with God and with myself and happy for others to have them.. the 'successes' in life.. Deep down, I believe God will provide them in His Time.. for He knows my desires and needs. *grin*

And the whole idea of not comparing with others does make a huge difference.. It is so easy to compare.. Yet, as the Lord Jesus said, "what is that to you?" when Peter asked about another disciple in John 21. To me, that indicates that we are not to compare with others.. and be faithful in and thankful for what is/are given to us. Thankfulness in all situations is a skill.. a choice we are to constantly make.. The good Lord is teaching me this lots!.. to be thankful.. and to see good out of situations, no matter how bleak they could be.. for the Lord is in control.. He has great plans for every one of us.. small, big.. medium.. any sizes and forms.. so exciting!.. yay!.. *wink*

Lets go and play!

Had my first attempt at sailing last Sunday. Interestingly, I still could remember clearly that my friend's hubby (Adam) said, "now, lets go and play!" after he briefed me about the boat and also about what I needed to do with the various 'strings'; other bits and pieces .. Hmm.. It was like, there are some preparations; briefings.. before we can go and play and have fun!..

Alot of times, the things we are to embark on in life in the coming days require that too.. preparations; briefings; trainings.. before we could go and play!.. Some would require more preparations.. some less.. and who is the best person to know how much we need? Take a quick guess? Daddy in Heaven.. :) He knows exactly what we need to be prepared, be briefed, be trained... for what is ahead!.. 

So.. once we are ready.. there we go!.. weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.... mistakes will happen.. just like bruises and cuts will take place (in my sailing experience).. but that shouldn't stop us from going again (as well as in this case, sailing)... The more we go, the better we become.. And, this just so resonates with my feelings about my new assignment at Agape.. Lots of adventures ahead!.. hmm. I wonder this sailing experience is by chance or by His divine appointment so that I could connect the dots!.. I prefer the later, to be honest as that works for me!.. lol.. well, I could literally connect the dots and I love that!.. :D

A Rose..

This picture I took in my recent visit to London just spoke to me!.. and it reminded me about a story.. a story about a beast who is filled with lots of bitterness and anger and yet he was touched by a simple girl who shows love to him.. And it was a challenge for her to actually love him especially when he was being so mean! Yet, she did!.. There was just something in him that touched her heart.. a connection? The rose in this story was crucial.. It resembled timing.. and somehow, the thought that came to my mind was there is always hope.. even when we couldn't see any.. or even in the bleakest situation/ circumstance... 

And as I reflect.. I am so delighted to say that our hope is in Jesus.. He gives us hope in hopeless situations.. and as I think about HOPE.. Psalmist in Psalm 37:34 encourages us to..

"Hope in the Lord and keep His way.

He will exalt us to inherit the land;

when the wicked are destroyed, we will see it."

My next assignment...

http://www.agape.org.uk/Default.aspx

YuP!.. my next assignment is Agape Birmingham (a Christian Charity Organisation)... for how long? no clue!.. but I have the sense that it will be a very interesting assignment... and I know the door could only be opened by the One and Only Him who is "I AM".. and it will be kept opened for me to walk through.. even as the work visa element is to be dealt with in the coming days.. all in His perfect timing..

The video clip here provides a brief intro to Agape..

And think my next upcoming challenge would be the whole idea of financial support of individuals, groups, and churches which Agape relies on.. Trusting God in another level of provision.. scary.. yet exciting.. and He has begun to show me glimpses of it.. and provision not necessarily be in the form of monetary.. it could be in many forms and shapes.. 

Oh!.. did I mention that I am starting at Agape this coming Monday, 16th May 2011? Yup!.. new people to meet.. and work with.. and I get to play with IT stuff!... oooh.. looking forward to that!.. *grin*

What He opens no one can shut...

The Lord says in Revelation 3:8:
"I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept My Word and have not denied My Name."

And I am claiming His Word for what is to come.. and know that I am able to walk through and overcome anything with His awesome peace and joy and love... *grin*

yippee?

I think I am still recovering from the shock!.. which I shouldn't be but yet I am.. Got the news! Got the job offer with Agape UK.. to do the very thing that I am trained for which is so amazing and I believe it isn't coincidence..

So, I am still not done with Birmingham, then.. I suppose so as this is the only door open for me to remain.. The impossible became the possible in His right Timing.. How awesome is that! And I get to do the other bits that I love to at the same time!

Much challenges ahead and yet much joy and passion too!.. hee.. Honestly, filled with mix feelings and yet at the same time, thanking Him for trusting me with the role.. Definitely has to go by His Spirit for I couldn't do it on my own... I am weak but He is strong.. *wink*

Devil of the past?

Ha.. is there such a thing, I wonder... ? but that phrase just stuck in my head for the past half an hour.. and I am so glad to say that even if there is such a thing or some times even bad memory of the past is being brought to the front at the present time, it doesn't affect me because I have overcame them!.. They have been sorted and dealt with at the foot of the cross in His presence as well as in the presence of Godly counsels.. I am truly glad and gleeful to be able to scribble this!.. to testify of His realness and His amazing Grace..

God never fails to surprise me with many things.. situations and people.. the people that He allows to cross path with me in this journey of exciting life! So beautiful!.. challenging sometimes to understand people's thoughts and yet it is a privilege to be able to walk by their sides.. and having them to walk by my side too.. to share our deepest thoughts and desires..

So.. yes, devil of the past, be gone in the Name of Jesus Christ!.. And Lord, please continue to fill me with your thoughts.. your Amazing Love.. your Everlasting Peace.. your Wondrous Joy.. *grin*

Further waiting..

looks like it! Further waiting... Ok, Daddy, I shall continue to wait... lalalalalalla..  and please please give me courage as I wait.. :)

the beauty of waiting in Him who has the perfect timing for me. *grin*.. kay, now, time to play! ta... 

Cultures..

Picture from http://www.dreamstime.com/

Since I moved, the whole idea of culture differences seem to be so real!.. Quite hilarious really.. even now as I am scribbling, there it happens again!.. another moment of culture difference!.. Maybe that is why I am spending more time in my sweet pink purple room, I think.... Wouldn't want to have too much culture clashes at one go!  Nevertheless and somehow, I believe the good Lord is teaching me something valuable here.. as I experience and observe.. 

And, more importantly, the LOVE of God is the key to hold everything together regardless of the differences of culture or even words spoken or actions shown.. Love of God and His Grace is awesome! Now, let me see.. how all these would lead to!.. even as I live here in this new place.. how to be sensitive? and how to say No.. It also teaches me lots of disciplines too!.. which is what I need at the moment, I think!.. 

Again, the good Lord always humours me with situations.. and people.. and the beauty of it all is that instead of feeling offended, I am laughing! and do find it quite amusing!.. ha! oh goodie! *wink*

Book for the day..

Since I am home today and in this nice, new and quiet room I am blessed with, I am going to focus on reading this book by Andrew Murray.. I am going to do a short book review of 2-3 minutes on it this coming 12th May at Spotlight on Christian Books which is held by ChaplaincyPlus - City Lights... I do wonder what I could share in that 2-3 minutes time about this book.. Well, I am sure I would get ideas as I read the book.. So, yes, that is what I am going to do.. indulge myself in this book and prayerfully be able to grasp hold of what God is telling me through this book.. I think the title itself already says it all... "With Christ in the School of Prayer".. to learn from Him and by His grace, to apply what I have learnt and make it real in my life so that I could grow and move to the next level of prayers.. Hee... 

Time will tell, Indeed!

I have scribbled in various occasions with this title.. "time will tell"... and yet, just want to scribble here at the wee hour about it again.. not too sure what I would be scribbling about but even as I reflect upon what has been happening as well as what hasn't been happening, just thinking about God's perfect timing.. 

http://kswpgoodfriends.wordpress.com/2009/07/17/gods-timing-is-perfect/

To me, it is precious to be at peace in Him as I wait upon Him in the unknown.. again, to learn to trust Him a little bit more than before. And, each step is beautiful.. breath-taking.. as I wait in Him.. as I embrace the fullness of His Love for me.. as I dwell in His awesome presence.. 

Just couldn't believe that it is May 2011 now!.. and the news and results that I am waiting for have yet to be revealed to me.. yet, I am at peace! which is rather unusual... but I am getting very used to it and I love it.. Being at peace even when I have no clue what would happen.. Is this what the bible calls "godly contentment" that I am experiencing? 1 Timothy 6:6 says "godliness with contentment is great gain"... Maybe, that is what it meant about being contented in God.. and it is great gain to be contented in Him!.. Nice! *wink*