So..

I finished exams about a week ago.

Then I packed to go to Wellington for a national TSCF conference and now I'm back.

Conference was awesome. Among the things we learnt was how to study for the glory of God, what is our world view and does that clash with Christian's worldview, money, being aliens in a foreign land, living in end times, being an Asian and reading the Bible. All this from the book of Daniel.

It was really cool meeting people from all over the world and nationally. Canterbury (the uni where i'm from) did a musical about Daniel based on Sound of Music during talent night which was hillarious. We experience living like people in India did. We had just lentils and rice for lunch and it was a small portion. And among all that, its just good to be reminded of how big God is and He is in control over everything.

I don't have camera so I don't have pictures. One big daunting thing that I had to do was to speak publicly. Because we have campus reports every main meeting to pray for and I was the only Canterbury ICFer there so I had to do it. If you knew me, I really really really hate public speaking. Its worse than piano exams mian! But God was good, I didn't get too nervous walking towards the stage and I delivered my speech by looking down at the paper most of the time. Haha.

So.. now its back to uni and ICF and church and life. I'm trying to think of something to do for ICF cause we were suppose to be doing something this holiday but I can't come up with anything :( Daniel suggested watching movie which I like. He's suppose to organise but he haven't come back to me. So ya..

One thing that I wanted to say is that when I woke up this morning the song Once Again - Matt Redman was stuck in my head. When clicked play on my iTunes (its on shuffle), that song was the first to be played! I mean how amazing is that.

A Family Tradition By Soo-Inn Tan

I first got the idea from Grace Goh. She encouraged us to take our children out for a good celebratory meal just before they sit for a major exam. She said that when we do this, we send a very clear signal to them that they are loved for who they are and not for how they perform.

To understand why this suggestion is so counter cultural, you need to understand that diaspora Chinese parents usually encourage their children to excel academically by promising them all sorts of rewards. Diaspora Chinese see academic excellence as the main way for their children to survive and to thrive in the countries they had adopted. And so all sorts of carrots and sticks were used to push their children to work hard in school.

The intentions may have been good but often the child ends up feeling that dad and mum are pleased with them only when they excel in school, only when they perform. The unfortunate message received is that I have to earn dad and mums' love by my performance. The lesson we learn is that love is conditional. It has to be earned. I must be good enough to receive love. You can see at once how this is at odds with a key biblical truth --- the fact that God's love is freely given. As Paul reminds us in Ephesians 2:8-10:

[God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. (NLT)]

This pattern of blessing freely given is seen right from the beginning of creation. Humankind's first full day of existence was spent, not in caring for creation, but in enjoying God's blessings on the first Sabbath day (Genesis 1:26 - 2:3). Humankind was created to enjoy God's unconditional love.

This is also seen in the fact that God the Father reminds Jesus that He is dearly loved, not as a reward for His ministry and His dying on the cross, but at His baptism, before Jesus embarked on His public ministry.

[One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, "You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy." (Mark 1:9-11 NLT)]

The bible is also clear that if we have truly tasted the goodness of God we would give ourselves to loving and serving Him. We are saved by grace but we are also saved "so that we can do the good things he planned for us long ago (NLT)." And James tells us bluntly that faith that doesn't issue forth in good deeds is not true faith.

[So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. (James 2:17 NLT)]

We need to be on the watch out for the twin errors of conditional love and cheap grace.

I do want my children to work hard for their exams. But not because it is a way to earn the love of God or the love of their parents. I want my children to work hard because I want them to be good stewards of their lives and their potentialities (Matthew 25:14 - 30). I like to believe that if they are secure in their parents' love, my children will know something of the love of their heavenly Father. And secure in that love, they can be free to be their creative best.

Above all I want my children to know that I love them for who they are. In pale imitation of how my Heavenly father delights in me, I want my children to know that I delight in them. And so I take my children out for a good meal before their exams begin, and not after their exams as a reward for good results. I want them to know that their exam results, whatever that may be, will not change the fact that I love them.

And so we took Andrew out for dinner a few nights ago. He is in the midst of his O-levels. At dinner we talked about some things he could do in his pre-university studies next year. He said he was looking forward to it. He also said that he intends to continue the family tradition. In future, if he has children, he will also take them out for a celebratory meal before every major exam. Way to go, son, way to go.

To sign up for this weekly e-reflection, go to the Grace@Work website, www.graceatwork.org

From Godma

Psalm 62:8

Trust in him at all times, O people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Selah

Happy Father's Day again

to another Father..

Thank you Abba Father for everything.

Bloggers and what nots

I’ve just been stalking reading the blogs of people from my church back in Malaysia. Its been such a long time since I’ve done it. Normally I do it when I’m really free or wanting to procrastinate. Its been really nice reading the blogs and finding out what’s happening back home.

There’s a few relationship that I want to ask about though and my brother unfortunately is not at home at the mo. I think. Or he’s just ignoring my messages.

I also found a couple of NZ's church friends' blogs.

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I’ve been thinking about baptism lately. I searched for baptism in my blog and found out that Becky did actually asked me about being baptised. Kinda funny that none of us remembered.

So.. when Pastor Jack told me about being in the committee, he said I had get baptise as soon as possible. I know I have been saying I am ready for the past two years and now I’m going to take a step forward. I’ve talked to mum about this and she said she was going to talk to Uncle Seng Kooi. I feel scared and yet excited at the same time. Not too sure what’s the outcome as mum haven’t come back to me.

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Went for Talent Night last night dragging along Mer, Cal, Char and Tom. I think some of it was torture for them and I feel bad. I guess the performances was all right. But if you don’t know the people performing I guess it would be kinda boring for them. Especially for the ‘kwai lohs’ as there were quite a number of Malay songs. Overall, it was all right I guess. It started 45 minutes later too.

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I just haven’t had the mood to blog this past few weeks. Don’t really have the mood or topic to write about as well. Its amazing how some people can write so much. I’ve also reduce my weekly emails to monthly emails. I’ve got lots to do this weeks of holidays. I have done some but only a few. All today.

• Wash kitchen utensils, re-arrange kitchen
• Wash bedsheet, duvet covers, pillow covers and put new sheets and covers
• Clean/Tidy room
• Clean/Tidy study table
• File notes
• Income tax
• Meeting minutes
• ICF email
• Wash bathroom
• 332 case study

In no particular order. Today I woke up early again (maybe I’m getting old), finish reading “The Sacrifice by Beverly Lewis” and showered. Ate lunch and went online until now. That’s almost 5 hours? My laptop is getting pretty hot. Might wash and put new sheets after this.

I better sign off now. Cheerios and take caaaare!

p.s. It has been raining for the past few days. Kinda nice.

Through It All (A Hymn Of Love) - Hillsong

You are forever in my life
You see me through the seasons
Cover me with Your hand
And lead me in Your righteousness

And I look to You
And I wait on You

I'll sing to You Lord
A hymn of Love
For Your faithfulness to me
I'm carried in everlasting arms
You'll never let me go
Through it all

Hallelujah
Hallelujah

Single-ts

Its so awesome and scary to think that God knows us so well. You know how I'm going through this stage all about Edward and somebody for me and single-ts. Its because I'm just surrounded by couples.

Then in this week's YAG email there was something about

"Christian Dating and Waiting on God

One of the most difficult things for Christian singles interested in finding a boy/girlfriend is waiting on the Lord for that special soulmate. This is especially true as we see our single freinds meet their dream date, get married and move on. Loneliness and anxiety starts to creep in as we wonder when God will bless us.

Although King David did not have Christian dating in mind when he wrote Psalms 13, many single people waiting for a mate can certainly identify with his feelings in verse 1: ” How long O Lord? Will you forget me forever?”

Are you a single Christian girl or guy struggling with your faith in the area of “waiting on the Lord” for a husband or wife? Be encouraged and recall that David, whom God described as a man after His own heart, also struggled. Yet, it’s interesting that during the time he wrote Psalms 13, he also penned Psalms 62:1: “My soul waits in silence for God only.” If you read the rest of Psalms 62, you’ll see David could wait upon the Lord because he had a calm, confident expectation that God would do exactly what He promised: He would meet David’s needs.

Recently, I had a single woman come up to me quite confused over the Christian dating issue. Although she wanted so much to be married to a godly man, she was torn over whether using Christian dating services meant she was no longer waiting on God for His provision.

How about you? Are you confused over how you should approach Christian dating and waiting on God? If so, consider these questions to guide your actions and test your heart motives:

• Does God’s word and/or uncontrollable circumstances preclude you from taking action toward entering a dating relationship? If so, this may be the time to silently wait on Him, resting in His promises to provide.
• Have you done all that you could do in your particular situation? Remember, God wants us to take faith-filled risks as we ask, seek and knock (Matthew 7:7). Many times we claim to be “waiting on God” before making a move on a matter, but God has already given permission to simultaneously take action while honouring him as well.
• Do your attitude and actions show that your soul is submitted to God’s will and resting on His promises? Or are you hell bent on taking your Christian dating life into your own hands because you fear losing out on that single man or woman?

Remember that waiting on God and taking proactive steps toward your dating goal need not be an either/or proposition. Just make sure as a Christian single, your heart is aligned with God’s each step of the way."

Its so amazing! And also I think its cool bananas.

I should be studying but I'm not. Great. I know. Jas and family invited me to go Lake Tekapo but unfortunately I have two tests and two assignments due next week so cannot go :( Urgh. So sad man. I seriously hate this term. So much work to do. And everything happening is happening now. Even CMSA's bbq is tomorrow but I know I should stay at home instead.

Just prayerfully I would actually study ler. Ish. Better go off now.

Wedding Song

Lyrics | Newsong - When god made you lyrics

I just thought that it would be such a cool song to play at my wedding. Now to find the groom!

Intense-nya

Mian. A few weeks ago Becky, the Pastor's wife, asked me whether was I baptised and continued telling me that I should get baptised. Then yesterday at Mike's place, he asked me. Turns out I was the only one among our group that was not baptised in any way. T and C were christened when they were kids. The others were all baptised.

Interesting that nobody asked me why I wasn't baptised. I think Mike was surprised to find out that I wasn't baptised.

I should be busy this whole week and next's preparing for two tests and two assignments. Urgh. And also the first week of holidays.. To finalise Malam stuff and to look for something to wear.

I just found out that I know somebody who is related to somebody famous. And to think that he hide it all this while! Gosh. Must be hard to compete with that kind of brother-in-law and sister. Lol.

By the way, I made the mistake of telling my so called friends that I would want a husband named Edward. Cause you know E & E. Heh. Now everytime also they keep teasing me. Ish. I want a rich one as well. Or maybe Emmet. But quite girly aye?

I have to go for my tutorial now.

p.s. Tomorrow we will be having dinner with Jas' whole family. Kinda scary. But should be fun cause everybody will be there and I'll finally get to meet her sisters! I wonder how did Calvin fare just now?

I Can Only Imagine

Verse 1
I can only imagine
What it will be like
When I walk
By your side

I can only imagine
What my eyes will see
When your face
Is before me
I can only imagine

Chorus
Surrounded by Your glory, what will my heart feel
Will I dance for you Jesus or in awe of you be still
Will I stand in your presence or to my knees will I fall
Will I sing hallelujah, will I be able to speak at all
I can only imagine

Verse 2
I can only imagine
When that day comes
And I find myself
Standing in the Son

I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever
Forever worship You
I can only imagine

Last time
I can only imagine
When all I will do
Is forever, forever worship you

With All I Am - Hillsong

verse 1
into Your hand
i commit again
with all i am
for You

You hold my world
in the palm of Your hand
and i'm Yours forever

chorus
Jesus i believe in You
Jesus i belong to You
You're the reason that i live
the reason that i sing
with all i am

verse 2
i'll walk with You
wherever You go
through tears and joy
i'll trust in You

and i will live
in all of Your ways and
Your promises forever

bridge
i will worship
i will worship You forever

I've been seeing this word alot. Wonder why?

mercy (countable and uncountable; plural mercies)

1. (uncountable) relenting; forbearance to cause or allow harm to another

   She took mercy on him and quit embarrassing him.

2. (uncountable) forgiveness or compassion, especially toward those less fortunate

   Have mercy on the poor and assist them if you can.

3. (uncountable) a tendency toward forgiveness, pity, or compassion

   Mercy is one of his many virtues.

4. (countable) Instances of forebearance or forgiveness.

   Psalms 40:11 Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O Lord
   
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   Now playing: Dolly Parton - Jesus & Gravity
   via FoxyTunes
   

Indescribable by Chris Tomlin

From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea
Creation's revealing Your majesty
From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring
Every creature unique in the song that it sings
All exclaiming

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go
Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow
Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light
Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night
None can fathom

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name
You are amazing God
All powerful, untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
All powerful, untamable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God
INCOMPARABLE, unchangeable
You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same
You are amazing God
You are amazing God

Psalm 68:1-5

1 Let God arise,
Let His enemies be scattered;
Let those also who hate Him flee before Him.

2 As smoke is driven away,
So drive them away;
As wax melts before the fire,
So let the wicked perish at the presence of God.

3 But let the righteous be glad;
Let them rejoice before God;
Yes, let them rejoice exceedingly.

4 Sing to God, sing praises to His name;
Extol Him who rides on the clouds,
By His name YAH,
And rejoice before Him.

5 A father of the fatherless, a defender of widows,
Is God in His holy habitation.

6 God sets the solitary in families;
He brings out those who are bound into prosperity;
But the rebellious dwell in a dry land.

[NKJV]

Love, Sex and Marriage

Dearly beloved, we are gathered here in the sight of God, and in the face of this congregation, to join together this Man and this Woman in holy matrimony.

So.. camp was interesting. And informative. We studied the passage 1 Cor 5 - 7. I think I learnt alot but most of the things sudah keluar out of my head. I guess the most important thing that I've learnt that my goal in life should not be to get marry but to "live in full devotion to the Lord". Not that my goal in life is to get married. But I guess that's every girl's dream?

I've got proof!
14. What do you think is the most important thing in your life? Living my life as God meant it to be. (Mian.. I sound so 'righteous')

That's from my previous previous post.

Although I am still confused by this two verses in the passage that we studied. I plan to ask Aunty Olivia about it but I think she's in Japan. Will email her probably later in the week. Although I do want to get as many peoples opinion as possible.

1 Cor 7:14
For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified through her believing husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but as it is, they are holy.

1 Cor 7:16
How do you know, wife, whether you will save your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, whether you will save your wife?

All in all I think all of us had fun and learnt lots. My neck looks tall somehow.

Btw, I bought this book:
And Wei Zheng bought this book:
I'm currently reading WZ's book first. Cause Jas also wants to read it. It is a good book I think. Although it is pro-protestant so it is bias. But I also learned alot of new stuff about Catholics. And if you are a Catholic and you don't want to think too much, then I suggest that you better don't read this book.

The book I bought was only $10 so I thought it was a good investment and it started out really well. =) Will read it after I finish "Nothing in my hand I bring".

I'm in the midst of replying the emails that I get. Was being lazy.

Dictionary
sudah keluar - came out