Edification

Lord, I thank you for your word that was shared today about edifying your church, acting out of love for you. Show me Your ways and teach me to love others always! For you!

(Romans 14)

Finale

It feels like one of the "How I met your Mother" episode about Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's the time of the year when we binge ourselves silly and meet up with friends and loved ones. It's also the time of the year when most people will go for holidays or indulge in shopping sprees.

I like Christmas. Not just because of the warmth that you get from spending quality time with your loved ones. I like Christmas simply because it's a good way to end the year by remembering God's love for everyone. As the finale approaches, I want to give thanks for everything that had happened in 2010. May God be praised for yet another year.

More than Conquerors

Today's sermon was taken from Romans 8.

More Than Conquerors

³¹ What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? ³² He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? ³³ Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. ³⁴ Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. ³⁵ Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? ³⁶ As it is written:

“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.

³⁷ No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, ³⁹ neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

This was the exact passage that God showed me in 2008, during the Christmas season. Nothing keeps us from God's love. This advent season, it sparked some reflection about how I had lived my life for the past 12 months. In the passage, it says we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. The word 'Conqueror' means winner, it originates from Old French word, conquerre, from Vulgar Latin conquērere (unattested) to obtain, from Latin conquīrere to search for, collect, from quaerere to seek.

Because of God's grace, we are able to conquer, to seek His true love, love that is all sufficient, all powerful, unconditional. How beautiful to know that the love we receive from God is so perfect!

God led me to this hymn for comfort. May God give me strength to declare that it is well with my soul...


It is well with my soul

When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul

It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul

My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part but the whole
Is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, oh my soul

It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul

And Lord, haste the day when my faith shall be sight
The clouds be rolled back as a scroll
The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend
Even so, it is well with my soul

It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul
It is well with my soul

Cauldron of frustrations

There's this growing sense of frustration. With my personal life, work as well as striving to maintain a balance in ministry. God, please help me... How do I keep my cool in the midst of all these?

Good things

All good things are from God, and Him alone. I am thankful for the little blessings this week. For the time spent with Val, catching up with different groups of friends, a nice home-cooked lunch on Sat as well as the day spent at MHKY's wedding. Indeed, let us not stop giving thanks. In good or bad times, may God continue to help me to give thanks and praise Him.

It had been a trying week for T and I as we iron out some major differences...will iron sharpen iron? or will things just fall out between the both of us? I pray that God will continue to lead us and help us to honour and please Him in our decisions...

What kind of light are you?

Salt and Light

¹³ “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

- Matthew 5:13-14

This had been a rather unusual week. An unusual week of catching up with friends from church, and school. The topics and issues that were discussed really piqued my interest and sparked some deep reflection about my faith. A close friend shared how she felt uncomfortable sharing some things with Christians...We are called to be salt and light of the world, being ambassadors of Christ...yet somehow, being set apart may be the very thing that makes people uncomfortable...I thank God for helping me to live a christian life, at the same time, it is my prayer that God will use me as a light that brings comfort and not one to be shunned.

Blunder Blunder, God is Greater!!!!!

I made a huge blunder at work today and had to apologize to the relevant parties because of it. Felt awful for the implications but I am thankful that God helped me to admit my mistakes and move on. It's probably the best way to deal with the situation.

I want to live a God-ward life, praising God in good and bad times, under all circumstances. It has been a great week with the arrival of Baby A (2). I can't wait to see Tim's little nephews in Feb!!!! There are so many things that I want to achieve at the moment. I want to have better financial stability, career achievement and a right relationship with God and my loved ones. May God guard this passion.

Crêperie

Met up with a group of gal pals at a local Crêperie. Food is great. Taste just like those from Brittany. YUMMMMMMM...

Basil escargots

Creme Brulee

crêpe Suzette

crêpe Normandy (mushroom, cream, ham)

crêpe grande

Move it move it...

I haven't been discipline enough to blog regularly but so much has happened in 2010. Switched jobs, went to France, celebrated 2nd Ramly anniversary with bf and started my Bachelor's studies in Counselling, Jo got married. It's an exciting journey no-less. I am happy to finally embark on my dream to be a counsellor.

At the same time, 2010 marks my career switch. Bidding teaching good-bye, I embraced a secretarial job in the corporate world. It's amazing how things work out but I'm loving it. I feel just like the lion moving from the zoo to Madagascar. New adventures, new people, new experiences. Lovely.

Rawwwww

(pic of one of my bestie with the perfect expression on her face)

It's a new year! It's a year speckled with excitement and anticipation! I'll be schooling (again) and bidding farewell to my profession for the last 2 years. Looking back, 2009 has been a great one for me. A year of meeting new people and gaining new experience. There's so much to look forward to this year! I'm lovin' it. And I'm very thankful for the ones who have stood by me all these while, especially God and my hunter b.f who has been catching lovely seafood for me.

Octobre commentaires

2009 is almost over. Glad it's almost the end of school term. I'm excited about Nov :) New start, new beginning! I feel like the guys on the jetty. Walked a long way this year...the end is near, yet it seem so far.

happy girl

I had a busy start at work. Things are going well, and I enjoy the new environment at Zion, but waking up early has proved to be the most challenging thing to do! When the alarm rings at 6am, I have to fight the burning desire to press 'snooze'. That is my favourite button in the world. Apart from that, I enjoy the extra time that I have with my family, Tim and friends. The aftermath of watching Transformer always leave a hopeful feeling in my heart, knowing that the world can be a better place when we stand up for peace and justice. I'm learning that, taking on the world with courage and chivalry. (Guess I'm really into Tamora Pierce's series. Ha!)

Adieu!

Adieu 2008! It started badly but I'm amazed at how God turned things around and made everything in my life so exciting! It's almost like a thriller fiction. You never know hat God has planned for you. I look forward to 2009 ;) Being a new form teacher, having a brand new year to love those around me and seeing how the thriller unfolds! God, I am ready to embrace 2009!

"I heart Elites and Punggolians!"

Random

Pick a good fight, grit our teeth in face of difficult circumstances, leech on the little ounch of strength that we have in adversities... Doesn't it all sound familiar? How often do we fall into the rut of prideful self-dependency? I have. For as long as i can remember. I pray my Lord will come like a crashing wave... Drowning my pride with humility and submission. Lord, have your way with me...


Attachment has been great. Time spent the children is priceless. Their randomness and simple love amazes me. I'm thankful for the little ones. One of the kids said he doesnt want to grow up and be strong because he wants me to carry him forever. Another one was asked to point out any objects in the classroom that is a circle. He exclaimed, "Ms Carmen, your face is a circle!' And another kid calls a 'square' a 'squid', one think there are black tigers in the zoo. I love these drama queens and kings :)

Glory in the Highest

I know there are things i dont understand, struggles that seem impossible to overcome, circumstances that could break my heart into smithereens, things that could make me cry buckets...but i know Jesus is here. Right here with me. Teach me how to trust You carelessly, declaring, Glory in the Highest, no one else could ever compare to You Lord.

Teacher's Day

It's an amazing feeling to experience my very 1st Teachers' Day. It isnt just a day to commemorate or appreciate educators who have inspired or influenced young minds (in good and bad ways, no less) It is a day that reminds me that every little time that i spend with the little ones is a privilege that God has given me everyday, to guide and nurture His children. I pray that God will fill me with His love and patience to take up this calling everyday :)

I had a blessed time with Grace at our usual hangout, chatting the day away, sharing silly thoughts, having Boost and a nice dinner at sushi tei. My day started wonderfully cos i received a special note and flowers in the morning. Thank God for a restful, blessed day!

little miss sunshine

Combination of montessori materials

The lovely cheesecake that auntie likian baked for taka's farewell

Can you see the faint rainbow? Doesnt it remind you of His covenant with Noah?!

A nice souvenir

God paints a different picture every morning outside my window.

We use this to teach (a+b+c)^3

This is for phonics

My cg was playing scrabble at U.d.d.e.r.s

My lastest project
The nice dinner that i had with mom. We had seat with a gorgeous view without reservations! How cool is that?! Thank God!!!!!!

I'm really excited about everything that's happening in my life! Internship will be starting soon and thank God for providing! Perhaps no amount of words could express how marvelous God's blessings have been! For the past weeks, i was scurrying through every evening, busy, catching up with my pals (who came back from aussie), taka and my cg, mugging for exams, spending time with my family and close friends all at once. Thank God practical exams are over! Mastering the methods of teaching ALL montessori materials within the span of 11 days is no easy feat. God is my source of strength! Through it all. Had dinner with my mom at sushi tei recently. I like eating out with my mom. There's something special about enjoying a nice evening with your loved one... a blessing that i often take for granted. On sunday, the pastor was talking about the importance of spending solitary time with God. The solitary moments that i have with our Heavenly Father are probably the most beautiful moments that i experience. Being still and quiet before Him. i forget to be still at times when i hustle and bustle with the things in life.


Half of the year has past and when i looked back, i'm just thankful for God's providence and blessings. I feel like little miss sunshine! Had some nice time catching with my close friends lately. It's nice catching up with grace and val. It has been ages since we did that. Grace and i grabbed Boost(the nicest fruit shakes from aussie) and spend the afternoon chatting away and enjoying each other's company. Our next boost will be free!!!!!!! Haha! Perhaps an auntie side in every girl, when it comes to boost and shopping! Val's fav letters are: S.A.L.E. If that girl ever gets on 'wheel of fortune', those would be her favourite alphabets. It's funny how val keeps me full and happy with all the healthy snacks from her 'food paradise'. lol. Oh i was at dempsey early this week. It's a gorgeous place and there was a nice cat that looks like batman. He's really friendly :)

Rain

The love that God shows us everyday in the little ways that we often overlooked, amazes me whenever i ponder over it. Last night, my parents came home just in time, before the rain poured. I felt very thankful that God held back the rain...
Sometimes He does, sometimes He doesnt. Just like the storms in our lives. He will never let us handle more than what we can bear. God reminded me of His love again this morning.

"With what shall i come before the Lord
and bow down before the exalted God?
Shall i come before Him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?

Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousand rivers of oil?
Shall i offer my firstborn for my transgressions,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

He has showed you, O Man, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Micah 6:6-8

Thank you God for this sweet reminder. Like a reminder from an earthly father...that You do not delight in superficial or fleshly gifts. But a close and devoted relationship with You. Thank You Lord, for loving us first. That we may learn to love.

So close

Have you heard this song? 'So Close' by hillsong. I went jogging earlier and had a chat with God. My heart was filled with so much joy and peace. Joy of knowing that i am satisfied by Him. The joy of knowing that God loves me so much, joy of knowing that God brought me through my saddest moments. That song just came to my mind as i prayed. "So close, i believe, You're holding me now in Your hands i belong. You never let me go." God didnt let me go when i felt trapped in the darkest valley, He never let me go when i thought i wouldnt be joyful again. He never me go and held me so close. Praise God!

These are the lyrics of the song:

I'm so secure
You're here with me.
You stay the same
Your love remains
here in my heart.
(Chorus)
So close I believe
You're holding me now,
in Your hands I belong.
You'll never let me go;
So close I believe
You're holding me now
in Your hands I belong,
You'll never let me go.
You gave Your life
and Your endless love.
You set me free
& show the way
now I am found
(Chorus)
(Bridge)
All along You were beside me
even when I couldn't tell
and through the years
You showed me more of You
more of You
(Chorus)