Today is just one of those days that God proves Himself to be ever so wonderful. I've been so caught up with work and studies which has led me to almost losing my sanity because it's so hard to juggle everything. But ironically, the nearer exam is, the more at peace I feel. Weird don't you think? Just proves that God is faithful. I had an opportunity to share just a small portion of God to my colleagues today. I hope that I lived my life with Him shining through. I almost forgot how amazing it feels to be given the opportunity to sow a seed for Him. To share a part of Him to someone else feels so great because I shared how wonderful and real He truly is, the God that made me who I am. I hope to share this testimony with you (dear reader) once He's brought everything to completion. Till then, take care
Love always,
The one that lives to share His amazing love, Me
Friday, November 28, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Frenz 4Eva
I stumbled upon this post reading up some of my friends' blogs...
For a reason,for a season,for a lifetime..
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person..,
When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty,
to provide you with guidance and support,
to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like Godsend and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON,
because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it,it is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person
and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
Thank you for being a part of my life...
whether you were a reason,or for the season or maybe even for a lifetime..
I believe this is very true,as many people walk in and out of our lives so often.
So which one will you want them to be in?
Will it be for a reason,for a season or for a lifetime?
Will they leave footprints in your heart,only to be washed away with time,
or will the footprints last long enough to be remembered,
or will your footprints always be next to this person's footprints for a lifetime?
So,what would it be? A reason? A season? Or a lifetime?
=====
Reading this sure stirred up my thoughts, my memories, my emotions.
As much as I wish I could say that my friendships to date have been "forever", the reality is very much as the poem described- some for a reason, others for a season, and this one- possibly a lifetime.
However it has been for me, most have stayed on as friends in my life. And in meeting those friends- bumping into them being the most common- it's amazing to look back and realize how these moments we are spending to catch up, are hinged upon the reason or season that has passed us by; but ah~ the reasons and the seasons... They have definitely been real, beautiful, wonderful... And will always be kept amidst the cherished memories of a time gone by...
That said, it dawned upon me a special Friend- who has been there for a reason, a season, AND (of this I'm sure,) a lifetime.
Oh how many times I have turned to Him for a reason, remained faithful for a season... Still He is here beside me. His footprints never left mine... Only mine, was now and then, not there to be found.
How could that have happened? Well, I was too tired, too weary to move on, and as I braced myself for the 'beautiful freefall'- He stretched out His firm yet gentle hands and carried me on. I shall always remember the times my eyes looked back and beheld only one set of footprints in the sand... The times when He lifted me.
[At this point, a dear old friend happened to call!!! You know who you are =) ]
Friendships are such a blessing.
That reminds me...
I haven't always been the best friend to the people in my life- especially during college and university times cos I was so flooded by everything @.@ So if you're reading this, and in your heart, I've already been categorized as your friend from a reason or your friend from past season(s); [as David Cook had put it,] before it's too late, what about now? I would love to (re)start/continue keeping in touch =)
Well, gotta go... GOD bless.
*humming*
You've got a friend,
in Mi~
For a reason,for a season,for a lifetime..
People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.
When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person..,
When someone is in your life for a REASON,
it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.
They have come to assist you through a difficulty,
to provide you with guidance and support,
to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like Godsend and they are.
They are there for the reason you need them to be.
Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time,
this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.
Some people come into your life for a SEASON,
because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.
They may teach you something you have never done.
They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.
Believe it,it is real. But only for a season.
LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons,
things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation.
Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person
and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life.
Thank you for being a part of my life...
whether you were a reason,or for the season or maybe even for a lifetime..
I believe this is very true,as many people walk in and out of our lives so often.
So which one will you want them to be in?
Will it be for a reason,for a season or for a lifetime?
Will they leave footprints in your heart,only to be washed away with time,
or will the footprints last long enough to be remembered,
or will your footprints always be next to this person's footprints for a lifetime?
So,what would it be? A reason? A season? Or a lifetime?
=====
Reading this sure stirred up my thoughts, my memories, my emotions.
As much as I wish I could say that my friendships to date have been "forever", the reality is very much as the poem described- some for a reason, others for a season, and this one- possibly a lifetime.
However it has been for me, most have stayed on as friends in my life. And in meeting those friends- bumping into them being the most common- it's amazing to look back and realize how these moments we are spending to catch up, are hinged upon the reason or season that has passed us by; but ah~ the reasons and the seasons... They have definitely been real, beautiful, wonderful... And will always be kept amidst the cherished memories of a time gone by...
That said, it dawned upon me a special Friend- who has been there for a reason, a season, AND (of this I'm sure,) a lifetime.
Oh how many times I have turned to Him for a reason, remained faithful for a season... Still He is here beside me. His footprints never left mine... Only mine, was now and then, not there to be found.
How could that have happened? Well, I was too tired, too weary to move on, and as I braced myself for the 'beautiful freefall'- He stretched out His firm yet gentle hands and carried me on. I shall always remember the times my eyes looked back and beheld only one set of footprints in the sand... The times when He lifted me.
[At this point, a dear old friend happened to call!!! You know who you are =) ]
Friendships are such a blessing.
That reminds me...
I haven't always been the best friend to the people in my life- especially during college and university times cos I was so flooded by everything @.@ So if you're reading this, and in your heart, I've already been categorized as your friend from a reason or your friend from past season(s); [as David Cook had put it,] before it's too late, what about now? I would love to (re)start/continue keeping in touch =)
Well, gotta go... GOD bless.
*humming*
You've got a friend,
in Mi~
Sunday, November 9, 2008
I dare you to HOPE
Brother J faithfully sends out sermon summaries every week. This one struck a chord in my heart.
In a time like this- whatever it may be for you- exams, peak periods, recession, depression... I pray this message which encouraged me (for I go through dark valleys in my life as well), will go on to encourage you.
[As per the email- If you're short of time, catch the bold]
The Surprises of God
This Sunday, we were privileged to have brother Chin Ee Tek give the message on the Surprises of God, which focused on the story of Elisha and the Shunemmite woman.
The background of the story was the Kingdom Divided, the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Elisha’s ministry was mainly to the Northern Kingdom, as was the ministry of his master before him, Elijah. Whereas Elijah’s message was mainly of judgment and in very public settings, Elisha’s message was of the grace, mercy and love of God, and he ministered mainly to individuals, privately. Shunem was only a small place in Israel, near Mount Carmel and it could hardly be found in the map. Still, Elisha must have passed there on his circuit, and a small Shunemmite couple there decided to show kindness and hospitality to this man of God. They even went to the extent of preparing a small room for Elisha so that he could stay there when he was in the area. Elisha was touched and wanted to repay their kindness. However, they seemed to have no physical needs. They were well to do, and did not ask Elisha for anything. Still, Elisha’s observant servant, Gehazi highlighted to him that the couple had no children, and this would have been a matter of great sadness to them. And so Elisha promised them a son, even prophesying the time he would be delivered. The main lesson of this first scene was that God’s grace is shown to common people, like you and me.
At this point, brother Chin also told us some aspects of the story of Eric Lidell, the famous runner who chose not to run the 100m because the event was on a Sunday, and he felt doing so would be dishonoring God. The headlines the next day blared “God before country”, and his decision sent shockwaves across the whole sporting world. Still, he had the opportunity to run in the 400m and this event he won amazingly against the odds, breaking the world record. Before his race, it was said that his sister had passed to him a note quoting 1 Samuel 2:30, the words of the Lord “Those who honor me I will honor” and he held the note to the finishing line. His story is of course immortalized in the great film, the Chariots of Fire, and he lived a great life of service to God in his missionary work in China. The key point of the entire message was exactly that “Those who honor the Lord will be honored”, and this was exactly true of the Shunnemite woman.
In the second scene, we see a terrible tragedy, for the son of the Shunnemite woman had died prematurely. In her agony, she immediately set out to find Elisha in Mount Carmel. She had serious questions. Why did God allow this to happen? Why bring this sorrow upon her when she had not even asked for a son? Why do bad things happen to good people? Still, her actions showed that she had not given up hope. She believed Elisha could do something. It was an exercise of faith that caused her not to prepare the funeral but to immediately seek Elisha. In her urgency, she did not slow down to explain the matter to Gehazi. She was persistent. She pleaded for her son. There are certain burdens we do not tell others, but here the Shunnemite woman poured out her troubles to Elisha.
The initial action did not work, for even the great staff of Elisha had not raised the boy, and there was a sense of desperation in the air. However, Elisha and the Shunnemite woman still hoped, still believed, and God eventually answered and restored the son to life.
In the final scene, we see another moment of crisis involving this same Shunnemite lady. In response to Elisha’s prophecy of a famine that would last seven years, she fled to the land of the Philistines with her family. After that time, she came back to beg the King of Israel for her land back. In the first scene, she had been well-to-do, with no physical wants, but now, she was in serious trouble, and could lose everything she had if the king did not listen to her request. Just so happened, at that very moment when she came in, Gehazi, the servant of Elisha was there, talking to the king. In fact, he was talking about the exact miracle Elisha had done concerning her, in raising her son to life. And when she came, Gehazi quickly pointed out to the king that she was the one. Amazed, the king granted her request, and even better, ordered that all the income due from her land during the 7 years be restored to her! God is in control of all things, and His timing is always perfect!
In closing, brother Chin exhorted us to always remember that God honors those who honor Him, and never give up hope, but trust that God will make all things perfect in His good timing. May the Lord indeed help us honor Him and trust Him at all times to the end. In Jesus name, Amen.
Hopeful,
Mi.
In a time like this- whatever it may be for you- exams, peak periods, recession, depression... I pray this message which encouraged me (for I go through dark valleys in my life as well), will go on to encourage you.
[As per the email- If you're short of time, catch the bold]
The Surprises of God
This Sunday, we were privileged to have brother Chin Ee Tek give the message on the Surprises of God, which focused on the story of Elisha and the Shunemmite woman.
The background of the story was the Kingdom Divided, the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. Elisha’s ministry was mainly to the Northern Kingdom, as was the ministry of his master before him, Elijah. Whereas Elijah’s message was mainly of judgment and in very public settings, Elisha’s message was of the grace, mercy and love of God, and he ministered mainly to individuals, privately. Shunem was only a small place in Israel, near Mount Carmel and it could hardly be found in the map. Still, Elisha must have passed there on his circuit, and a small Shunemmite couple there decided to show kindness and hospitality to this man of God. They even went to the extent of preparing a small room for Elisha so that he could stay there when he was in the area. Elisha was touched and wanted to repay their kindness. However, they seemed to have no physical needs. They were well to do, and did not ask Elisha for anything. Still, Elisha’s observant servant, Gehazi highlighted to him that the couple had no children, and this would have been a matter of great sadness to them. And so Elisha promised them a son, even prophesying the time he would be delivered. The main lesson of this first scene was that God’s grace is shown to common people, like you and me.
At this point, brother Chin also told us some aspects of the story of Eric Lidell, the famous runner who chose not to run the 100m because the event was on a Sunday, and he felt doing so would be dishonoring God. The headlines the next day blared “God before country”, and his decision sent shockwaves across the whole sporting world. Still, he had the opportunity to run in the 400m and this event he won amazingly against the odds, breaking the world record. Before his race, it was said that his sister had passed to him a note quoting 1 Samuel 2:30, the words of the Lord “Those who honor me I will honor” and he held the note to the finishing line. His story is of course immortalized in the great film, the Chariots of Fire, and he lived a great life of service to God in his missionary work in China. The key point of the entire message was exactly that “Those who honor the Lord will be honored”, and this was exactly true of the Shunnemite woman.
In the second scene, we see a terrible tragedy, for the son of the Shunnemite woman had died prematurely. In her agony, she immediately set out to find Elisha in Mount Carmel. She had serious questions. Why did God allow this to happen? Why bring this sorrow upon her when she had not even asked for a son? Why do bad things happen to good people? Still, her actions showed that she had not given up hope. She believed Elisha could do something. It was an exercise of faith that caused her not to prepare the funeral but to immediately seek Elisha. In her urgency, she did not slow down to explain the matter to Gehazi. She was persistent. She pleaded for her son. There are certain burdens we do not tell others, but here the Shunnemite woman poured out her troubles to Elisha.
The initial action did not work, for even the great staff of Elisha had not raised the boy, and there was a sense of desperation in the air. However, Elisha and the Shunnemite woman still hoped, still believed, and God eventually answered and restored the son to life.
In the final scene, we see another moment of crisis involving this same Shunnemite lady. In response to Elisha’s prophecy of a famine that would last seven years, she fled to the land of the Philistines with her family. After that time, she came back to beg the King of Israel for her land back. In the first scene, she had been well-to-do, with no physical wants, but now, she was in serious trouble, and could lose everything she had if the king did not listen to her request. Just so happened, at that very moment when she came in, Gehazi, the servant of Elisha was there, talking to the king. In fact, he was talking about the exact miracle Elisha had done concerning her, in raising her son to life. And when she came, Gehazi quickly pointed out to the king that she was the one. Amazed, the king granted her request, and even better, ordered that all the income due from her land during the 7 years be restored to her! God is in control of all things, and His timing is always perfect!
In closing, brother Chin exhorted us to always remember that God honors those who honor Him, and never give up hope, but trust that God will make all things perfect in His good timing. May the Lord indeed help us honor Him and trust Him at all times to the end. In Jesus name, Amen.
Hopeful,
Mi.
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