Palm Sunday 2014

The blood.
I never knew the blood of Jesus Christ meant so much till today.
By His blood, I am saved. There's life in His blood. I repeat, Life in His Blood.
Only His Blood, gives us spiritual life. Renewing us, sanctifying us, reconciling us to God.
Only by Blood, can sins be forgiven, that's why He is the atonement sacrifice.

Hebrews 9:22 In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

It's it through faith in his blood that we are saved, forgiven, cleansed.

Please listen to this song-O the Blood as you reflect on the sacrifice made for us on the cross.

Who Am I?

In Christ, I am saved by grace through faith.( Eph 2:8-9)
In Christ, I am forgiven and made righteous. (2 Corithians 5:21)
In Christ, I am a new creation.( 2 Corinth 5:17)
In Christ, there is no condemnation. ( Rom 8:1)
In Christ, I am justified and have peace with God.( Rom 5:1)
In Christ, I am his workmanship-created to do good works (Eph 2:10)
In Christ, I am chosen and made holy to proclaim His excellency. (1 Peter 2:9)
In Christ, I am a child of God.(John 1:12)
In Christ, you are a fruit bearer (John 15:5)
In Christ, I am sealed with the Holy Spirit (2 Corinth 1:22)
In Christ, I am to be his witness to the world (Acts 1:8)
In Christ, I am given a sprit of power, of love and a sound mind.( 2 Tim 1:7)
In Christ, I am equipped to live out His word.(James 1:22)
In Christ, I choose peace over anxiety (Phillipans 4:6)
In Christ, I can boldly approach God in prayer knowing He hears (1John 5:14-15)
In Christ, I am an overcomer (1 John 4:4)
In Christ, I am helped by the Spirit (Rom 8:26)

I have the mind of Christ. (1Corith 1:16)
I have a God who is strong and provides grace to sustain me. (2 Corinth 12:10)
I am a heir of God.(Gal 4:1-7)
I am set free by Christ alone.( Gal 5:1)
I am redemmed through His blood.I am a part of God's plan for the fullness of time to unite all things to Christ. I am given an eternal hope. I am sealed with the promised Holy Spirit and given a seat in the heavenly places with my name on it.(Ephesians 1: 3-14)
I am His beloved.(Eph 5:1-2)
I am compelled and strengthened by God's grace to do good works and to be a light in the dark world.(Phillipians 2:12-18)
I am delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred to the Kingdom of the Son, presented to the Father as holy and blameless. (col 1:13-23)

Quiet!Be Still!(Mark 4:39)

God, don't you care if I drown?


I feel an overwhelming sense of confidence that of course!My Jesus cares!
Of course, My Jesus will not allow me to drown.
Of course, My Jesus controls the winds, waves, the storm...

What more should I fear?The exam?the stress?The reading?The memorising?
No,Nothing. Nothing can ever separate me from the loveGod.


So why am I so afraid?Worried?
The fear of not covering enough subject matter is crippling, paralysing my being, affecting my work everyday. So many What-If's.
What id I studied this, but that came out instead?What if I fall sick the entire day before exam again?What if I am not able to memorise the parts that are needed for me to remember?
What if..

See?It's bringing me nowhere.Really?Michele?Really?Is that what you want?
To place my confidence and trust in things on earth?These things that may be gone the very next instant?
To trust the amount of books I've read, or the essays I've written, or the cases that I've memorised?Really?
All these????????


All these will surely fail me.
Something might happen.My memory might fail me.My notes could be wrong.(It has happened!)
Essay writing could never prepare me for the exact question that is to come out in exams.

Yet, above all else, my God will never fail me.NEVER.
HE stands beside me, in the storm.He orders the storm to stop,and be quiet.
He speaks into all kinds of storm that I have in my life right now.
The constant rushing.The constant stress.The pressure.
How sad.My life does not revolve around all these!!!!
My life revolves around Him!The Him of the universe!
And yet, how of little faith I am.
To be reminded again and again and to forget again and again.
My God loves me!He loves me.
Doesnt that explain somehting?that He cares for me?More than Birds or flowers?


Therefore, He will be my shepherd, and I, his lamb.
He will lead me by still waters, stand beside me, alongside me, embrace me, assure me.
Through the storm.
All storms.Any storm in my life.

He shouts out in to the waves, and say, Quiet!Be still!And the storm obeys Him.
Therefore, when He says, Quiet, Be still! Into my busy havoc, rushing, messed up life.'
I will be still, and know that He is God.


Because, In Him.We live.And move.And have our being.Acts 17:28

Sovereign

Sovereign.
Something important to remember , and to realize, in times like this.

Sovereign by Chris Tomlin is my current favourite song.
That my God reigns. He reigns, He is sovereign over my life, my future, and everything else.
So I can trust Him, and I will trust Him.
I love how the song first affirms that He is trustworthy, that I can trust Him.
He is qualified for my trust, because He is God.
And then later the song changes into: I will trust You.
That is taking a positive step, making a choice, saying I will trust Him.
Such a lovely song, speaks depth of truth applicable in my life.



Sovereign in the mountain air, sovereign on the ocean floor,
With me in the calm, with me in the storm.

Sovereign in my greatest joy, sovereign in my greatest cry,
With me in the dark, with me at the dawn.

In your everlasting arms, all the pieces of my life,
From beginning to the end, I can trust You.

In your never failing love, You work everything for good,
God whatever comes my way, I will trust You.

All my hopes,all my fears, all I need, all I am, all of me, all my dreams,
Held in Your hands, I will trust You.

Perseverance

*Cries*
Another point in life where I felt like crying and shouting, 'I dont wanna be in this situation/position lah!'

                                                                XXXX

Seriously, little things in life stress me up. Esp when I realise that on my own, I will not be able to balance the tasks on my hands and produce a near perfect result.
I don't know why am I like that.
Why can't I just buat-buat selamba, and not care. Whatever happens, happens lah.
Psst..I'm pretty sure lots of people in this world ( if not Malaysia) are like that.
But I cannot lah!

So I was learning this new song,"The Gospel was Promised" by Sovereign Grace for CF's worship tomorrow.
And then I listened and listened and listened and listened and listened and listened......yea, you get it.

And then I started thinking about next week's worship.Like, who's gonna be the worship leader?
Coz I'm the one who's supposed to arrange the worship schedule, and trust me, on a human human side of me, it's easier for me to read ten law books(really thick ones) than to ask , invite them(ultra-politely) or to persuade them to worhsip lead. I repeat, THAN TO PERSUADE MY FRIENDS TO WORSHIP LEAD.
=.=
So susah one lah.
All sort of reasons everytime i approach them: Got class lah, cannot sing lah, choose someone else lah.bla bla bla
And then I got angry thinking about my seemingly huge task..
Yeah that's me.
hahahaha.yes lah I know I get angry at almost every and anything okay.
And I know it's not an elephant-like huge task.It's just to get people to lead worship lah for goodness sake.
But still, I really dont know why lah, WHY??? why me lah.go get someone else to do this schedule lah.Save me a lot of mafan.





And then I'm reminded that I am doing this for God.
For my God. So it's not for the CF, it's not for me, nor for anyone else.
I don't win applause from man, but from God.
And I will work at it with ALL my heart. Colossians 3:23



Oklah, at least now got reason and purpose as to why I'm doing this. Therefore, I will persevere and not complain.
*Victory!*







::

Christian Woman, Pursue Christ Alone

source: Christian Woman, Pursue Christ Alone by Lauren Minor.

Disclaimer: Of course this article is not by me, Michele. I'm not that smart.HAHA But I'm posting it here on my personal blog,so that I can be reminded of my ultimate focus, that is, in Christ alone. Bearing in mind that I might get sidetracked of the things I want to do, feel like doing or thought of doing in the long run, this article will serve as a good reminder, I hope.=)





As a teenager and young college student, my life was very much consumed with people giving me advice about relationships.  

I didn’t want to be focused on finding a Christian guy to ‘pursue me’, but I was sent a message that I should be. The more women told me, “God will bring you a man if that’s your desire,” the harder it was to set my mind on things above, not on earthly things.

Waiting on a man gives our faith a very “me-centered” focus. All of a sudden it’s about God providing ME with a relationship…God providing ME with a happily ever after. And while He is fully capable of providing both of these things, it is not the picture of submission to Him we see in Scripture, nor is it the goal of our faith. 

The pressures of an ideal relationship and potential marriage cause girls to make lists of qualities they want in a guy (I’ve been guilty of this). Because apparently the God who created us, who is “intimately acquainted with all we do” (Psalm 139:3), needs us to give Him a little reminder sometimes of what we’re attracted to. And as if that isn’t bad enough, girls pray over their lists…instead of spending time praying for those who don’t know their Savior. I could be mis-interpreting Christian books I’ve read, but I’m pretty sure one of them encouraged me to do this.  When did Christianity become about ME?

Our purpose is all about HIM. Allow Him to use you in whatever way you can be the most fruitful in your fleeting time here on earth. Trust me (no, trust Him), He knows the desires of your heart. But our utmost desire should be to serve Him, not for Him to serve us. We were created to glorify God, make much of His name, and enjoy a personal relationship with Him. 

Our calling given in Scripture is to GO and make disciples. Over and over we’re told to share the love that we’ve received with those who don’t know of the hope we profess. We’re also told that God will equip us with all we need to accomplish His purpose here on earth. Yet a message is being sent to young women and youth saying, “Don’t WORRY girls…God will show you who your husband is going to be. Wait on God for him.” And yes, of course we are called to wait on the Lord, but specifically waiting for a GUY is different. 

If we trust in the Lord and have full assurance in His ability to provide, then we should GO and make disciples, knowing that if we will be the most fruitful in a relationship leading to marriage then He will make that clear. And if we are to be single our whole lives because we can accomplish His purpose more effectively that way, then that is what we are to do.

Waiting on the Lord does not mean waiting for Him to provide us with OUR desires. It means being faithful to our calling in Scripture and allowing Him to provide the rest. Christian girls need to hear a new message. Our God is so much bigger than the little genie we like to make Him sometimes. We like to think of Him as someone we can go to when we need a favor or need assurance that someday something will happen. This is so far from our purpose.

Be obedient to His purpose for your life, and He will equip you with all you need in doing so. He wants us to lead fulfilled lives. He wants what’s best for us…and that’s HIM.  The most loving thing He will do is move us to a place where we cherish Him more than anything else. So why are we still chasing worldly things? Sometimes our desires reflect a worship of the created over the creator. 

We cannot seek our highest satisfaction in anything of this world. 

It’s destructive to the human soul to take a created thing and make it an ultimate thing. I think a better line than “Do you trust God with the pen of your love story?” would be “Do you trust God with the pen of your life? Will you be completely fulfilled in your love relationship with HIM and allow Him to decide what comes next?”

“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:31-33)

We don't delight ourselves in the Lord in order to get something else, just like we don't seek first the kingdom to then gain something in return. We have an eternal hope and joy, so why settle for a temporary one?

As a wife I’m held to the same call I was before: glorify God and make much of His name.I have been given a partner in this journey, but my aim and ultimate goal remains the same. I realize my ultimate satisfaction can be found in Christ alone. As a wife, I finally see the importance of girls pursuing Christ in their singleness, so that they can be intimately acquainted with Him in their marriages as well. 

Marriage is the most amazing thing I’ve ever known because I get to see my husband how he is behind closed doors when no one is watching. I see him cry over lost people, find him buried in our closet praying, and hear him asking God every day to make him into a more Godly man. I see his PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP with Jesus, and I want it. I want to know God more because of how Austin knows Him.We must know how to individually pursue Jesus now, so that we’re still pursuing Him in our future.

SEEK FIRST HIS KINGDOM and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Lord I pray that you would be our utmost desire. More of You, a walk with You daily, a higher satisfaction in You... 

Amen. 

Ending 2013, 20 going on 21

I think it's sad.That I'm gonna be 21 soon.
It's too old.I wanna stay as young as possible. Okay, not really as young as possible, but maybe stay 19, or 20, for another two years or more.
Growing up means, well, growing older, (supposedly) wiser.
I mean, of course, I wanna grow wiser, I just don't like that age is a factor.
How nice, if it really does happen, if i could stay 20 for another year.Really, time passes too fast.
Can't grasp it, can't make it stay, can't make it wait for me.
The last entry made on my diary was 2nd December13, and today when I write my next entry, it's 6th.
SIXTH!!!The first week of December gone.
Really, sometimes, I wished I could pray things like: God, please just slow down the time. Or, turn back the clock.
I wanna enjoy every moment, every second of my life.
I still believe life is beautiful, made for us to treasure every moment that comes with it.


But sometimes, looking at the pile of books, articles, essays and notes waiting for me to at the very least, flip the pages, makes me feel so *ugh.
Like why, why can't I just sit down, get a cup of hot chocolate, cross my legs on the table, and savor them, like how I used to do with novels. I miss those moments.
Of reading and absorbing every word in Enid Blyton's series.
Imagining the pixies running around with mushrooms as their umbrellas, of the wishing chair, of queer little Moonface, of the Enchanted Woods.
Just really sad. How I miss those times.
Rather than rushing through my textbooks, the subject guides, case judgements, I really want to sit down and enjoy them.=(

Running Away

I am repeating this so many times untill I myself also sien already.
I'm pretty sure the listener is also bored with hearing the same thing.

I feel so emo now.

I wanna SCREAM VERY LOUD AT EVERYONE, telling them to leave me alone.
I'm so tired, so so tired.Not physically tired, but descriptively tired, of saying the same old thing, same old sentence.
I wanna leave.
I wanna leave.
I wanna leave.
I WANNA LEAVE!


I'm pretty sure I've blog about this before too.


I'm pretty sure I started talking about leaving since like last year= nine months= approx 270 days.

But I cannot leave.Because I have to consider  A LOT of things.
And my Abba have not given me a concrete answer yet.


Side A's arguments are  :
You need to go to a church who can give you spiritual food, solid food for you to grow.
You cant go to church and still come back unshaken,unchanged.



Side B's arguments are:
You Are harbouring UNHEALTHY Feelings.
This might be Satan's influence.
You are just talking about your 'FEELING'. We should base our belief in faith, not feeling.
Everyone else thinks that this is a good church, you ARE the exception.
*all fingers pointing at me*




Listening to them just makes me so tired.
I feel like closing my ears so that I wont be influenced by them.
I say pray, how many, just how many of you shut up your mouth and said
' Okay, I will pray together with you and wait upon the Lord to see what is His answer.'
HOW MANY OF YOU DID THAT.
I daresay, none.
But maybe it is human nature, to have one's opinion and to argue in a way that I should support whatever your belief is.


But, I dont need that, all of that.Do you understand?
I've been through the arguments 1000times, I dont need to hear them again.
I dislike the defensive expressions when I voiced out that I have a PROBLEM with my church life.



So what?You'd rather I keep quiet?
Truth is, I can't.I just am not the type to retreat quietly into the shadows and never to be heard of again.
I wanna openup.If i have a problem, I have a problem.
I don't wanna act so holy and fake as though I am satisfied with my life, my church life.




Awesome aint it?

So what if I leave, where can I go?Or which can I go?
Transport?
And I know Mum will not be following me.
Also, I have not really heard it, final, confirmed, from Father that I must/need to leave and go elsewhere.



But if I dont leave, every week I'm dragging myself.
Every Sunday I sit at the chair, fidgeting.Unable to concentrate.
Angry because I feel forced to attend.
Pissed because I feel so empty there.Like, whaaaaa?nothing is happening here kinda feeling.
Sigh.Another time I use the word 'I feel' and I'm gonna be attacked again.



I'm so tired.
It's as if I can't use the word 'feel'.
Then what?
If I dont feel, then what?
If you dont feel, will you be able to do anything?


If you FEEL hungry, will you eat?
If you FEEL cold, will you wear a jacket?
If you FEEL tired, will you rest?


So don't tell me I should not FEEL, because it is illogical.
If I omit the word 'FEEL', things will not work.
Either way, it's impossible.



I just don't understand, what is God planning now?
Sigh.I wanna peek into His plan's, see things from His view, just this once.

What's Happening Now

I feel like I needed to talk to God, after not talking to Him for such a  long time.
But I felt like typing it out, instead of writing it in my diary or voicing it out as a prayer.
So here you go.

I really have a bad sore throat(I guess all sore throats hurts mad).
And it really is uncomfortable because every time I swallow, even my own air liur, it hurts!!!
And I've taken about the entire pack of Strepsils, a bottle of hundred plus and a cup of honey lemon.
And also 2 lozenges,and, there is no improvement.==


I feel bored, or rather, hectic, not in the studying hectic style, but working hectic style.
Hectic working style differs in that you know you have things to do which will keep you occupied the entire day.And best part?
Its the same everyday.A routine.
Wake up, bathe. eat, work, bathe, eat, sleep, wakeup, bathe, eat, work, bathe, eat, sleep........
You get the picture.
Nothing exciting but sufficient to allow stress to seep into my daily life because of the WORKLOAD.

Sigh.
I have a weakness, which is that whatever I feel whether happy, angry or stressed will be displayed on my face.
Like I cant hide it at all.
and I don't like it!!


And I'm actually kinda tired that everyday I go to work and someone or something would happen to make me feel angry.
Like this egoistic guy who never admits his mistake, and this weird person who does not understand what I communicate over Skype and I would repeat n repeat that I dont have it, and she would repeat and repeat that she wants me to email to her.WhaaaaAT!*throws hand up in the air*
And illogical customers that comes in last minute like a half hour before we close with a handful of enrollments for us to key in.He actually started arranging the forms on the long desk and it was a horrifying sight.(For me la)
I'm not even kidding!!!
Or people who thinks that I am free and requests for me multitask.
I mean I will do it if I could, but I only have one pair of eyes.
I cant do both things which require my eyesight at once!
Then I would get angry because I think it's inhuman and illogical.


See, I get pissed off at about everything.
But I guess it's just human that I'm dealing with.
Oh and the workload is mosome awesome much.
Like you know before you strat that you would never ever be able to finish them.
I mean, it's logical the amount of task you could do at hand, two months into being an admin clerk/cs/phone receiver/storekeeper and you could actually know how much you could or cannot do.
So it's stupid to keep piling work on us.



There, I've said it all.
Didnt I say earlier that it would be safer for me to write in my diary?
But I'm so lazy to get it.


Then again, everyday I remind myself that I cant get angry over petty things.
I'm just working for two months, TWO GOOD WHOLESOME months!
And I membebel dan meng-complain non-stop.
How can, Michele?!?!
Aiyoh.



Just do my part, everyday I'm telling myself that, and everyday I forgot about that when something happens to spark off aku punya anger.Apalah ni.
Today one of my colleague was kinda saying that I am different from when I first came in.
Probably looked more stressed up now than then.
And sigh, everyday I tell myself that Im just working to get pocket money and my commitment towards company is not long term and nor is my affection for company deep enough to get me upset over stupid systems.It's holiday yo, I'm suppose to enjoy them!!




Sigh sigh sigh.Big big sigh.




At this point of time, I'm pretty sure all my close friends who read this will comment that this is style Michele untuk bercomplain.
Ok la I dont deny that la okay.



But lemme reminicise on the good aspects.
Which is that food is plentiful and sufficient, as in my manager or even customers would buy food for us, hailing for Ipoh, Penang and own backyard(fruits).
So you see, they are quite generous in feeding us.
Then also, the attitude of the people are actually pretty nice.
I mean they are not like what I firstly imagined them to be, the rude, gossipy, blackhearted bully style.
They are not like that lo...


Okayla.my eyelids are drooping already.
I;ve decided tomorrow is a new day I'm gonna remind myself not to be stressed, regardless of what happened.
I will be strong, and ask God to fill me with enough love to cover all the weakness of people around me.

Nothing is Impossible with God

I love today's devotion and that little story that comes with it.
The little boy is so creative and smart.
He must have stunned the high-nose scholar.Watch out for the boy, and more, for the powerful God I serve.

Nothing is Impossible With God
Gwen Smith

Today’s Truth

Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left (Exodus 14:21-22, NIV).

Friend to Friend

A boy was sitting on a park bench with one hand resting on an open Bible. He was loudly exclaiming his praise to God. “Hallelujah! Hallelujah! God is great!” he yelled without worrying whether anyone heard him or not.       

Shortly after, along came a man who had recently completed some studies at a local university. Feeling himself very enlightened in the ways of truth and very eager to show this enlightenment, he asked the boy about the source of his joy.         

“Hey” asked the boy in return with a bright laugh, “Don’t you have any idea what God is able to do? I just read that God opened up the waves of the Red Sea and led the whole nation of Israel right through the middle.”         

The enlightened man laughed lightly, sat down next to the boy and began to try to open his eyes to the “realities” of the miracles of the Bible. “That can all be very easily explained. Modern scholars have shown that the Red Sea in that area was only ten inches deep at that time. It was no problem for the Israelites to wade across.         

The boy was stumped. His eyes wandered from the man back to the Bible laying open in his lap. The man, content that he had enlightened a poor, naive young person to the finer points of scientific insight, turned to go. He had taken only two steps when the boy began to rejoice and praise louder than before. The man turned to ask the reason for this resumed jubilation.         

“Wow!” exclaimed the boy happily, “God is greater than I thought! Not only did He lead the whole nation of Israel through the Red Sea, He topped it off by drowning the whole Egyptian army in ten inches of water!”         

The Old Testament book of Exodus shows, over and over again, that nothing is impossible with God. Nothing! Moses was an ordinary man who was chosen by God to do an extraordinary task. On the far side of the desert in Midian, high on the mountain of God, Moses met the LORD face to flame. God appeared to Moses “in flames of fire from within a bush.”          

I would imagine that Moses was probably dirty, sweaty, and stinky from shepherding as he stood on holy ground before the LORD. I’m sure he was keenly aware of his filth and stench, both physically and spiritually. As he slipped off his shoes, he hid his face in fear. Moses did not feel adequate for the assignment that he had been given. He wasn’t confident in his abilities to get the job done. In fact, he even pleaded with God to send someone else! Moses said to God in Exodus 4:10, “O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.”         

  

But God had a plan and Moses was His man. Through ten plagues and many signs and wonders, God flexed his muscles through Moses. Once Pharaoh had finally let God’s people go, Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt. No compass was necessary. God led His people through the desert with a pillar of clouds by day and a pillar of fire by night. It must have been an amazing sight. It must have been thrilling…up until the point where Pharaoh’s army was closing in on them as they approached the Red Sea. Talk about being faced with a seemingly impossible situation! Moses and around two million of his closest Hebrew friends stood at the edge of the water with nowhere to go. They were trapped. They were terrified and cried out to the LORD (Exodus 14:10). BUT GOD! God was on time for the miracle show. He had a plan. He made a way. Nothing is too difficult for God!           

Moses answered the people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the LORD will bring you today…The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still” (Exodus 14:13). God purposed this extravagant rescue for His glory. The Lord will fight for you. When God is on our side, fighting for us, we can certainly be assured of victory!          

Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and all that night the LORD drove the sea back with a strong east wind and turned it into dry land. The waters were divided, and the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left (Exodus 14:21-22).          

The Israelites were saved, and Pharaoh’s army was destroyed - all under the watchful eyes of the LORD. God wanted to be glorified through a seemingly impossible situation. He wants to be glorified through the difficult situations that you face, too. If God is for us, who can be against us? (Romans 8:31) When we stand with Christ, we stand with power. What Red Sea are you facing? Nothing is impossible with God. When you set aside your doubts and call on the name of the LORD, you can face the waters of your circumstances with a strong confidence, knowing that God is able and willing to do great things in and through you. Continue to follow the pillars of cloud and of fire of God's leading. You have a chance to bring God the glory of which He is so deserving!

Post Exams

Gosh.
The last post dated back to 29th of April.
APRIL!!!!!!!!
almost two months ago.


Anyway, a quick update:
Finished my year 1.
YESH!Did you read that?
Nevermind, I'll type it again.


I FINISHED MY FIRST YEAR!

*dance*twist*twirl*jump*squeal

Ok.Last I recall, I blow kissed about 10 marks to my Common Law examiner coz I couldn't finish it on time.
I read the Public Law question wrongly so I think my answer is only half-correct.
Criminal Law was the first paper and I didn't plan my answers properly so there were LOTSA mistake.
Contract law too, I couldnt finish the last question and therefore it was left hanging.
Personally and honestly, I didnt think I presented my very best.As in no-regrets-best.
But I did my human best.And the mistakes were well, mistakes.Human mistakes.HAHA.
Ok.this is crap.so much twisting and turning with the story!
But but but, I still wanna focus on Jesus, focus on my almighty, strong, powerful God.
Because He can do anything.He does what He wills.And I believe everything that is planned or allowed by Him will be the best plan ever, for my life.


And I visited the Kampung Orang Asli in Sungai Rasau to spend time with the children.
And I love them, all of them.
I tell you, the most mature, bestest, kindest,understandest(if there is such a word) is often the poorest.
It need not be the oldest, it could be the youngest.
Their living condition is bad.They live with chickens, like under the same roof,same level!!!!!
By the way, their houses are only one storey high, made of wood.
And really, this girl told me that she doesnt go to school because she doesnt own an alarm clock, therefore she wont be able to wake up.
And as young as she is, maybe 8 or 9 years old, she has to cook for her family, since her mother ran away.
sad case right?=(

But I also love that they are willing to learn, especially English.
I sat down, opened a book and started reading.Pretty soon I am surrounded by the little people.=)
Some of them were even willing to forgo the pizza-making and eating just to hear me read them stories.*touched
And I love it.I love reading to attentive little audiences.
I love that they appreciate the chance to learn and the fact that they want to learn.
Aww.I have this most amazing awwwwww feeling.Haha.

And then, I started work in a nutrition/health drink company.
and so far, I love the customers(tho there are a few bad apples), love my colleagues, love the environment and love the place!
So high-class and comfortable kinda setting.There is even a pantry where drinks, fridge, oven are available.
My colleagues, sad to say, are all guys. But they're pretty nice people (hmm, when they are not busy haha).
And the customers are the best that I've ever seen.Because they bring food for us!!
FOOD!yes FOOOOOOOD.
Like all the way from Penang, Hong Kong bla bla.
Last I counted there were 7 different kind of delicacies from different places.
How awesome!
Oh oh last but not least the salary is sufficiently satisfying.Better than last year's RM 900 per month.(how pathetic = =)


Okay, that's all!!Will update when I have time, or Make time to blog.=)

El Sali-The God of my Strength

Daily in Your Presence(Day 117)

Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me;
for I am meek and lowly in heart:
and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
MATTHEW 11:29 KJV

FROM THE FATHER'S HEARTMy child, your shoulders are drooping. Have you been trying to carry your own burdens again? Come to Me. My arms are strong. Let Me have your load. We are a team, remember? Relying on your own strength will only propel you into discouragement and physical exhaustion. Meekness is something I will give you, if you will rest in Me.

A GRATEFUL RESPONSELord, most of my yokes are self-made, heavy burdens of my own choosing. I can learn from Your example of meekness. It is not weakness but controlled strength that can carry the world's burdens on its back, all at the same time. Thank You for Your meekness.

SIMPLE TRUTH

When the burdens of life get too heavy to bear, for the rest of the journey, He'll carry us there.

I am delighted.My friend says I dont exhibit that 'stress-ness' like how I used to be months ago.
*eventhough it is seven days away from my exam now*
I read Jim Cymbala's 'Fresh Faith' and decided that I dont wanna let Satan steal that faith away from me.
That childlike trust in my Father to walk by my side and the belief that He controls my future.
The belief that He is with me, will be with me, even as I prepare and study, even as I sit in the exam hall writing furiously for 3 hours.
In law, we learn a lot on foreseeability of the future, like actions of the defendant or the victims.
So I right now apply my knowledge*laughs* and I foresee that in everything that I do, the Lord will be with me.
The Lord does what He wills, and I have faith that everything is in His perfect plans.
I want to have faith in my Father.
I tell you it is a hard thing to do, esp for someone like me, who is a control maniac and a boss-zila.
I like to plan things through and take caution in every step that I take.
But the Lord helps and strengthens, because I am weak in my own strength.

He will see me through this madness.
Life is a mess.Really a mess.
But when I admit my frailty and ask my Father to provide me with strength, He answers.
And I believe that His plans are better than mine. :
Romans 8 :28(NLT)
And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
Genesis 50:20 (KJV)
But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

(I will persevere, the Lord will work in His time, and I shall see His purpose come to past.)

That was part of what the pastor preached last Sunday.

On a side note, I kinda feel relieved when I express my intention to resign,

I surrender them all to the Lord, they are His sheep.He is the shephard.

I cant do much by worrying.I can only pray.

And the Lord will rescue them, in His time.

Torn Apart---Tears of Frustration

Yes.I visited one of my friend's church.
And honestly, I love.The worship was awesome-r, the message was energy-er, and the youths were talk-able.
Stop stop stop.Don't tell me to not compare.
Because I right now have all the valid reasons to 'shift' church.
All I'm doing now is waiting for God to answer me.

This is bad.
If you ask me personally, I want to change the place where I'm worshiping.
Really, I do.
Okay, I'm a bit agitated now because something happened again.Yes.Again.
See?Too often.I sometimes wonder why am I agitated.Do I even have valid reasons.
Am I the one who has the problem.
Truth is, it has became a task, a mechanical, boring, forced labour.
I feel dreaded to go there.No joy, no love,no peace.
I WANNA GO AWAY.



ISH.STUCK here.Smack in the middle.I want to leave.Everytime I join in, in less than few minutes of talking with them, I wanna bail out already.


Yet on the other hand, sometimes I look at them and they seem pitiful.
Left out, alone.I wanna walk this out with them you know.




So I'm praying, and listening.If God says to stay I will stay.He will give me strength to do so.
But this is it.Right now is another one of those 'frus' moments.

The Intellectual Part of Faith

'This is why faith, or at least the intellectual part faith, scares me a little bit. Because when it comes to theology, I feel like I'm constantly trying to strike this delicate balance. On one side of the balance is "figuring it out" and feeling safe, but being subsequently bored with my faith. While on the other side there are questions and uncertainties that keep me moving and guessing, but also leave me with an underlying worry that challenges to my faith might make me lose it altogether.'



http://www.ibelieve.com/faith/tough-questions-can-i-ask-them.html

Now, this woman is amazing. I read the article and felt like shouting 'Me!Me!Me too.'
Yes.I can totally understand it when she says that.
All the seemingly 'new' ideas that present a huge challenge to my current 'faith' foundation esp the theology part.
Feels like 'O God, don't tell me everything I once believed in was wrong all the while!'
Please do it slowly. I need to take this one step at a time.

''' I felt God remind me that it was okay for me to be uncertain, to admit I didn't have it all put together, and to occasionally, or often, change my perspective. I didn't have to feel ashamed for wondering, for asking, or for seeing things in a new way. I didn't have to feel afraid.

My ideas might shift about who God is, or how He works, or how Church is "supposed" to be, but He is the same yesterday, today and forever.''

If You Ask Me What I Think...

Okay, I just feel a need to pen down, here, whatever that is in my head.
I'm gonna be just truthful, and as honest and straightforward as I can.Although I know that they might feel like I'm criticizing them, if they ever do stumble upon this post.
But of course not, I'm not doing so. I'm just penning down my thoughts, what I think about all the discussions that we had.

I just don't like it.I don't know, it could be my problem.
But I don't like the way they seem to, in my opinion, come up with a whole new lot of things that seems right, backed with evidence from the bible that seems to challenge everything that I believed in.I could be wrong.All the beliefs I held on to,could be wrong.I don't feel good, I don't feel enlightened, like'Ahhh, something has opened up to reveal some kinda truth to me.'
Honestly, it was all confusing to me.
Like I was here and yet there. Both parties seemed right, both parties seems to know what they are talking about.So I don't know where I stand.

But I really don't find a need to distinguish between Calvinism and Arminians.
I don't feel a need to determine who is wrong is who is right.We are all human.Of course, we could read some verse and go like 'Oh, God appears to me and points out the right path.'I mean, okay, if that is so, if you think that it really is God telling you, then go ahead.Believe it.
I think God works in many different ways.Reveals Himself to people in different methods.
God may shed more light in certain characters of Him, like some may experience joy more than other values in their life.Some may experience love, His love, much more than other  things like peace etc etc.I think it's different for people.
People's needs are different.so, I think it doesn't matter as to whether He love us ALL, or love us, SOME, only some.I mean, it's his choice, whether He chose to love those with Maggi Mee hair or those with jet black straight hair.
But we share a common ground, we know that He loved us, we claim ourselves to be 'saved'.But we also agree our job is to spread the good news to the world.(The Great Commission)
Whether He love some people or not, it doesnt matter or affect our job to proclaim that He is God, the Lord of the universe.
So why the need to distinguish if people are reformed or not?
Why the need to distinguish whether you are Calvinist or Arminians?
Why the need to know who is right, or wrong?
We know He loved you and I, and chose us.We wanna love him back.These are fundamental principles.Could never go wrong, so much that we wanna share it to people around us.We wanna spread the love, that could never go wrong, right?
so why the need to go like' Oh you are right in this?She are wrong?'
Unless God expressly says so, say that the answer is A, not B.
Again, I might be wrong in these.I'm just penning down my thoughts.

Then we talked about the role of a woman in a church.Like, the senior pastor post, should belong to a man instead of woman.Yes, equality,but not in this context.
I think it is not our job to judge if a particular person is doing it right or wrong.Because we don't know, we are looking from a third party's point of view. For all you know, God might have gone and personally reveal to that woman that she is to take up the job.That job could be meant for her.
If God feels a man need to be raise to be the head and leader of it, then God could've have done so.He will fill that space.But if God feels that the woman is capable, God wants to use her instead of a man, then who are you to say 'No, God should follow the age old tradition of using a man as the leader.
We don't know, we just don;t know, there are just so many loopholes and grey areas.But God knows, His plan is perfect.It is our job to obey God, when God ask you to lead, you lead, when God says you submit to another person, you submit.If God sees the need, He will fill it.
Our job is just to obey and follow His instructions.
I don't have the right to point fingers and judge.Really, I don't.
Also, I don't think there is a need to classify these as biblical, or unbiblical.
Because we don;t know.It isn't as clear as 'You shall not murder.'
For all I know, those people whom I think is doing it all wrong, could have been right, their hearts could've been right with God, and it is all that matters, right?

But God is gracious.We are human.We all err.
Of course, it is not an excuse to continue doing so,I'm just saying that if God has put in in your heart that certain things must be done certain way, then please do so.This is about you and God.But if not, then stop the arguments about who is right, who is wrong.
Soemtimes, I do think that when I try to get someone to support and believe in what I say, it might be pride.
Who am I?I am not God.My wisdom and knowledge are limited.
So why the need to do so?Why the need to prove that you are right, absolutely right, and the other is wrong?




I think it's okay to have different viewpoints on some issues.As long as you continue to walk closely to God, and desire Him, with all your heart mind and soul, And obey Him, in whatever He asks of you, then it is enough.


Again, I might be wrong.Again, there might be a need to clarify things and stand on one side or the other.
But right now, I just don't find the need to do so.It's not making me feel any better.

So God, if I'm wrong, please correct me.And help to stay humble, always,because I could always be wrong in things like this.

Hate this

Hate it.Hate whatever that is happenning.
Yet, what my big sis says might be true.
God planned this.
God intended it to happen.
God wants me to learn something from this.


Sigh.Putting God over everyone else.
Pleasing God and not people.
I have to remember that.The tough love.
I mean it's not like I lick people's feet to please them or what, just that..
Sometimes yeah, I really do not want to say things that hurt people.
Unless at that moment in time, I think they deserve it.I'll shoot them back, sarcastically.
But it doesn't last, I'll feel guilty one after that.

Now I'm learning, when I do the 'tough love', direct it at the bulls-eye.
Confronting people.
It will hurt, but it's also love.The tough side. It's chicken soup for the soul.
I will need God's wisdom in this too.
So that I don't speak the wrong words, and go wrongly from what God intended it to be.
ARGH.why is this so hard wehy God?
GOD?!?!?!
*knocks hard at heaven's door*


Aiyo.This had better come out good.

Please, this has gotta be a life lesson to learn from okay, God?

Quiet Me

This song...is wonderful.=')
It speaks!!!!!Totally what I wanna express now.




Quiet me~
Still the storm that rages~
I'm crying out once more, I need to hear You speak~
Let me feel the calming that You know I need~

The Me that God Created

I recently stated to visit the website on a frequent basis : ibelieve
I love the insights of those women, the little seeds of wisdom that come from experiencing life with God.
Somehow, to me, these seem more approachable, more applicable to my life, more appealing to what I feel  on a day by day basis.
Guiltily, more practical than mere reading of the words in the Bible.

I dislike the' theologian'way of interpreting the Bible.*scrunch nose*
It seems *pauses* ... dead to me. Like we're just investigating the words, on a surface, literal meaning, having no application to our life.

Okay, that's what I feel okay.Don't come and rebuke me now.
On my defence, those women live out, and experience the works of God in their life.
Their story seems more honest and human, to me.
Bla bla bla.ok.I should not complain. =)

I'm pasting this post below to remind myself of the women within me when I get caught up in how the world defines 'beauty'.(which I'm pretty sure will happen in future)
PS:I'm copying and pasting the whole text here.
http://www.ibelieve.com/health-beauty/the-comparison-trap.html

The Comparison Trap

Jenny LaBahn

8

I have been in the beauty industry for 8 years. If anyone understands the struggle with comparison, it would be me.

I am a hairstylist and I work in a salon with 29 stunningly beautiful women. I cannot tell you how many times I have walked into work and thought to myself, “I need to lose weight; I should have – put on more make up; curled my hair instead of wearing it straight; worn that shirt instead of this one.” You get the idea.

However when I take a deeper look, I realize that what I am comparing myself to is makeup, haircolor, and hairspray. Things of no value.

Those things may accentuate and enhance, but they are not what make a woman beautiful.

The most beautiful women I know, are those who are at peace with themselves.

The Bible says it is unwise to compare ourselves to others.

“…when they measure themselves with themselves and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding and behave unwisely.” 2 Corinthians 10:12, AMP

I stopped coloring my hair almost two years ago, right before I studied abroad in Paris. When I got home, I decided to keep growing out my natural color. The girls at work were appalled, and ask me quite frequently if I am ever going to color my hair again. Even my clients have become curious as to why I have gone natural. Sometimes it gets to me, and I often think that maybe I should start again. I have even thought, “Maybe if I colored my hair I would look prettier, and then I wouldn’t be single.”

However, I have realized the futility and foolishness in that line of thinking. Something within me wanted to stop being fake. I wanted to stop changing and conforming myself to meet society’s standards of “pretty.”

Don’t get me wrong. I do not think there is anything wrong with make up or haircolor. If I felt that strongly about it, I would be out of a job. I just sensed within myself this striving to look a certain way, to meet a certain unattainable standard. But why? What was the driving force?

I was comparing myself to the woman next to me, instead of accepting the woman within me.

I am the me that God designed. He didn’t make me on accident, and He didn’t form me with some societal mold in mind that He was trying to measure up to. He is infinitely creative and brilliant.

Every time God creates, He does so with intention.

He utilized an equal and exact amount of creativity when He made you, and every other person on this planet. When we choose to compare ourselves with others around us, and the fictitious women we see in the magazine, we aren’t only making life harder on ourselves, we are telling God He didn’t do a good enough job.

God doesn’t make junk; He only makes masterpieces.

And guess what? No one can articulate God’s creativity quite like you can. You were made not to be beautiful, turn heads, and outdo the girl next to you with your beauty regimen. You were made to showcase the hand of God.

And you do that best when you stop comparing, and start accepting, the you that God made you to be.

Gratitude

God is funny, and persistent.
I had to laugh when I see yet another of my devotions talking about gratitude. ;)
I think God probably knows that if things does not repeat itself, I will forget.
This few months, my devotions have been something like 'Gratitude, giving thanks etc etc'
When I read about gratitude again yesterday, I was laughing.
He is hard pressed on getting me to give thanks, and lessen the amount of complains I have.*laughs*

But it's true.
When I DO give thanks, I begin to see glimpses of glory that would be veiled from my eyes.
When I appreciate, it affirms my believe that everything is in His hands.That His hands are large enough to hold all of me, everything of me, including my future.
When I give thanks to Him for being with me and walking alongside me, I feel assured, comforted that He would pick me up when I fall.


Do you remember I had been like so stressed up about life.
Life is always so busy, so full of things.So distracting me from enjoying every single moment of my life.
I feel pissed, pissed that life has taken away so many things from me, my God given precious life==
I was stressed , I was like 'God, please help me, please help me.I need You.Please come'
Every prayer was a desperate cry for help.

Then one night, as I was wondering about something (at this point of time I can't remember what)
It struck me.Maybe my method is wrong.God has ALWAYS been with me.
The circumstances were so overwhelming that it has blocked Him out from my view.
When everything starts to crash down and everything spun out of control, I was so absorbed into it I forget that God is already with me, within me,  beside me.
So I changed my prayer, to thank Him ,affirming the fact that He has always been there.For me.

And you know what, things change.Gradually.
I'm not saying that I don't feel stress now.Well, not as stressed as before.
Yesterday, I was talking to a friend of mine, and he said that when he first saw me, I used to bang on the keyboard, that I was so worked up and just pulling long faces.==
I still feel offended by it.*laughs* But I know it's true.People see stress written all over my face.

I feel better now, not that frustrated anymore, you know.
At least not that panicky and worked up.
Okay, at this point of time, I need a disclaimer: I'm only human.Things may still happen that makes my wanna scream on top of my lungs.

But I learn, okay.(well, sometimes I do forget)
But when I remember, I give thanks to Him and praise Him for His work in my life.
I praise Him for His love for me.
I praise Him for the trials He placed in my life to strengthen me.
I praise Him for all the pits that I've fallen into, that when I crawl out of it, I may understand the pain that others go through when they are stuck in there.It helps me to understand them better, and to love them.Because I've already been there, it helps me FEEL them.


Today I learn how David does it too.

    On many occasions in the Psalms, David complained about his circumstances (Psalms 42, 57, 62). But more often than not, about midway through David’s laments, he begins praising God for who He is and thanking God for what He’s done. And you know what happens? All of a sudden David starts feeling better! Life isn’t so bad after all! His problems grow smaller as his perspective of God grows larger, and he begins to see God’s glory shining through the situation.

It's true, if you check out the Psalms given above.You discover how David's perspective changes as he shifts from complaining to gratitude.


I'm learning to make it a habit, to praise Him and thank Him, even when circumstances cloud my eyes and overwhelm me, I want to speak His love language of gratitude.
PS: especially so when the Sunday speaker is boring.I should thank God still for the people whose life was touched by the message and not focus on my own selfishness.
It's a learning progress.

So Dear God, catch me when I fall, and gently remind me of the right track when I derail again.

He loves me, just because

I'm excited.
I think I may have found the answer.
That I don't need to do this and that in exchange for His help.
I don't need to earn His approval.
He already loves me, just the way I am.
I didn't need to fulfill everything on my 'to-do list' to be a Christian, to get Him to respond.
It's He who initiated this, it's He who reached out to me.
All I need to do was to respond.To love Him back, for His love for me.
I know my love will not measure up to His.
But that's what I can do.I can love Him for being God, and trust Him to do it.
The difference is this, it is not that He will do it.It is that He is doing it, already.
He is already helping me, guiding me, staying near to me.
When I say 'Lord, help to shift my eyes onto You'
It's affirmative of the fact that He is already doing it, therefore, help me realise it, help me to trust You now.
It's not of focusing on Him first, then expecting Him to let everything run smoothly.
It's the opposite.It's where everything is already in His hands, I just need to be rest assured of that.

I think it helps me to do the 'focus on God' thing, it is made easier.*cheers*
YESH!