Hubby was ministering at a lunchtime fellowship in town last week. He was sharing about healing, and then gave an altar call to those who needed healing to come forward. He also extended it to those who needed prayer for their work.
I prayed for the women while hubby prayed for the men. There were perhaps about 10-12 people who came forward. As i prayed for the first few women, i did not 'feel' the power of God but just believed with them for their healing or for change in their situation. The second last woman i prayed for, however, God's healing compassion became substantial in me. I actually felt a gush of God's love all over me, gushing out from within me, and flowing into the woman. Tears gathered in my eyes. She felt His love after a while, then began to sob, as i laid my hands on her in prayer. She had gone through much and was fearful, but i sensed His love overwhelm, flood, even drive out the fear in her. I felt a release in her as she cried quietly. I believe she had been healed in her body and in her mind.
This is God's healing love and compassion. It was interesting that i had been reading about divine compassion one or two days before the meeting. This was not the first time i felt this gush, but i was able to identify or recognise this flow better.
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
Tuesday, 19 January 2010
my brother's birthday (revised)
My brother celebrated his birthday today.
And i want to write a special blog for him on his birthday.
You were born more than twenty years ago today.
You were plucked from the jaws of death, saved by papa''s God-inspired response in driving away from the heavy and huge truck carrying a full load of sand and gravel, charging at their new car; and mummy's divinely-led, yet instinctive move to the centre of the back seat in order to get a more direct flow of air from the air-conditioner. You were barely one month old then. God's hand of protection has been on you ever since.
You give yourself fully to things you are passionate for:
You love listening to music - different genres and styles. When you were just six or seven, you could sing word for word almost all the songs from Les Miserable the musical, listening to the CD over and over again.
You taught yourself to play the drums as well as the guitar. You were involved in a band with your school friends, and now you play with various bands in church.
You love playing football - and you have had a fractured finger (now healed) to prove it.
You enrolled yourself at Bible School, spending almost 1.5 years of your life, 4 hours a day, 5 days a week, studying the Word of God and learning how to be led by the Holy Spirit.
You write love songs to God, and about God, "pouring your heart out like water before the face of the Lord" (Lamentations 2:19)
You lead worship in church services, in youth meetings, at prayer meetings, cell group meetings, and even at weddings and in family events, just wanting to serve Him and bless His people.
You expound on the Word of God in your writings and in your conversations, and in preaching, clarifying and revealing to them the practicality and relevance of His Word in the world today.
You seek out the homeless, and take time to listen to their stories, and sometimes, when led to, give them money, to minister to them.
You love your steak - medium rare, and your salmon - Norwegian, and eat your chicken clean, biting off even the white crunchy joints from the bones.
You never fail to say hi to your nephew, or give him a little cuddle, no matter how late you reach home. You take countless photos of him, and even bought him little t-shirts from your recent trip.
You have a heart for the marginalised, those sidelined by society, and will visit a friend in hospital every day, who was suffering from depression, just to bring cheer and encouragement.
You love to read, especially books on reaching out, and are building up your library full of treasured books.
You love to get together with your friends, just to chill out, but even more to talk about life and purpose.
Brother, this is my birthday gift to you... Hope you like it...
Continue to live life the way God wants you to - fully and passionately, and obediently adhering to His plan for you.
I know He has more in store for you.
I thank God for you in my life, and am inspired by your passion.
And i want to write a special blog for him on his birthday.
You were born more than twenty years ago today.
You were plucked from the jaws of death, saved by papa''s God-inspired response in driving away from the heavy and huge truck carrying a full load of sand and gravel, charging at their new car; and mummy's divinely-led, yet instinctive move to the centre of the back seat in order to get a more direct flow of air from the air-conditioner. You were barely one month old then. God's hand of protection has been on you ever since.
You give yourself fully to things you are passionate for:
You love listening to music - different genres and styles. When you were just six or seven, you could sing word for word almost all the songs from Les Miserable the musical, listening to the CD over and over again.
You taught yourself to play the drums as well as the guitar. You were involved in a band with your school friends, and now you play with various bands in church.
You love playing football - and you have had a fractured finger (now healed) to prove it.
You enrolled yourself at Bible School, spending almost 1.5 years of your life, 4 hours a day, 5 days a week, studying the Word of God and learning how to be led by the Holy Spirit.
You write love songs to God, and about God, "pouring your heart out like water before the face of the Lord" (Lamentations 2:19)
You lead worship in church services, in youth meetings, at prayer meetings, cell group meetings, and even at weddings and in family events, just wanting to serve Him and bless His people.
You expound on the Word of God in your writings and in your conversations, and in preaching, clarifying and revealing to them the practicality and relevance of His Word in the world today.
You seek out the homeless, and take time to listen to their stories, and sometimes, when led to, give them money, to minister to them.
You love your steak - medium rare, and your salmon - Norwegian, and eat your chicken clean, biting off even the white crunchy joints from the bones.
You never fail to say hi to your nephew, or give him a little cuddle, no matter how late you reach home. You take countless photos of him, and even bought him little t-shirts from your recent trip.
You have a heart for the marginalised, those sidelined by society, and will visit a friend in hospital every day, who was suffering from depression, just to bring cheer and encouragement.
You love to read, especially books on reaching out, and are building up your library full of treasured books.
You love to get together with your friends, just to chill out, but even more to talk about life and purpose.
Brother, this is my birthday gift to you... Hope you like it...
Continue to live life the way God wants you to - fully and passionately, and obediently adhering to His plan for you.
I know He has more in store for you.
I thank God for you in my life, and am inspired by your passion.
Saturday, 16 January 2010
what God just did
i'm just amazed at what God just did at prayer meeting last night.
His love for the church is so great He visited us. I did not seem to be able to prepare anything for the teaching session. I'm not sure whether this was God's intention in the first place, or a lack of my waiting on Him. I did ask Him but perhaps did not spend enough time. But really, it is not about me, but God.
I continued to focus on God as I went about my tasks and appointments that afternoon, though my mind was coming up with different angles i could take at the prayer meeting regarding the teaching. I did mull over Ephesians 4 about equipping the body of Christ the most, and that did come up during the 'inspired utterances' in tongues and interpretation, and also just in English.
The presence of the Lord washed over us like a river when we started worshiping. The worship leader sensed His presence so strongly, that he changed the entire order of songs, there and then, directly entering into the flow of His sweet refreshing.
It was in the second or third song, the refrain: "Lord, have your way in me" leapt out at me. I'm not sure whether all who were there 'picked this up' in their spirit. I did, and i believe the worship leader did. And some of us just sang this phrase repeatedly for a while. This became the cry of our hearts for our lives, for our ministries, for our church.
The exhortation i felt in my heart for the people, especially the leaders of the church (including cell leaders) was that they must carry out the agenda of the Lord, not their own agenda or pet project. They must hear from the Lord and then obey what He has put in their hearts to do. His plan is foremost and is that which will work.
Secondly, everyone in the church had a specific role to play, and they were to obediently step into that role. No one is deemed greater or lesser than the next person. No one can substitute another. Each had been given their own gifts and callings, and were to hear from the Lord as they waited on Him to discover or uncover what they are.
Another young man had the scripture passage from Proverbs 4:20-24 (NKJV) and exhorted the people to guard their hearts and focus on the Word of God which will guide them -
My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings.
Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart;
For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh.
Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.
Another person exhorted the members to 'hook up' with the Holy Spirit, depending on Him for direction and wisdom, and not on their own thinking or their own minds.
Tremendous start to prayer meeting in 2010.
We continued to pray for leaders and the pastor corporately, and then had a brief sharing on various church concerns, complete with testimony from a new believer whose smoking habit, which he had been attempting to quit on his own for months and months, just disappeared overnight, the desire to smoke no longer existed, and whose ulcers had been healed. This was followed by group prayer.
Amazing grace of God!
His love for the church is so great He visited us. I did not seem to be able to prepare anything for the teaching session. I'm not sure whether this was God's intention in the first place, or a lack of my waiting on Him. I did ask Him but perhaps did not spend enough time. But really, it is not about me, but God.
I continued to focus on God as I went about my tasks and appointments that afternoon, though my mind was coming up with different angles i could take at the prayer meeting regarding the teaching. I did mull over Ephesians 4 about equipping the body of Christ the most, and that did come up during the 'inspired utterances' in tongues and interpretation, and also just in English.
The presence of the Lord washed over us like a river when we started worshiping. The worship leader sensed His presence so strongly, that he changed the entire order of songs, there and then, directly entering into the flow of His sweet refreshing.
It was in the second or third song, the refrain: "Lord, have your way in me" leapt out at me. I'm not sure whether all who were there 'picked this up' in their spirit. I did, and i believe the worship leader did. And some of us just sang this phrase repeatedly for a while. This became the cry of our hearts for our lives, for our ministries, for our church.
The exhortation i felt in my heart for the people, especially the leaders of the church (including cell leaders) was that they must carry out the agenda of the Lord, not their own agenda or pet project. They must hear from the Lord and then obey what He has put in their hearts to do. His plan is foremost and is that which will work.
Secondly, everyone in the church had a specific role to play, and they were to obediently step into that role. No one is deemed greater or lesser than the next person. No one can substitute another. Each had been given their own gifts and callings, and were to hear from the Lord as they waited on Him to discover or uncover what they are.
Another young man had the scripture passage from Proverbs 4:20-24 (NKJV) and exhorted the people to guard their hearts and focus on the Word of God which will guide them -
My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings.
Do not let them depart from your eyes; Keep them in the midst of your heart;
For they are life to those who find them, And health to all their flesh.
Keep your heart with all diligence, For out of it spring the issues of life.
Another person exhorted the members to 'hook up' with the Holy Spirit, depending on Him for direction and wisdom, and not on their own thinking or their own minds.
Tremendous start to prayer meeting in 2010.
We continued to pray for leaders and the pastor corporately, and then had a brief sharing on various church concerns, complete with testimony from a new believer whose smoking habit, which he had been attempting to quit on his own for months and months, just disappeared overnight, the desire to smoke no longer existed, and whose ulcers had been healed. This was followed by group prayer.
Amazing grace of God!
Friday, 15 January 2010
3-D - the power of virtual reality
I just watched Avatar in 3-D last night with hubby. I was grinning in the first half an hour as i was plunged into a world of fantasy, captivated by the sci-fi story which has all the right elements of love and betrayal, intrigue and conspiracy, loyalty and sacrifice. Of course, the special effects and animation enhanced my whole experience.
The 3-D glasses sometimes got in the way, but minimally:
However, hubby and i were disturbed by the nuances of nature worship that permeated in this fantasy world of Omaticaya People. Idyllic and idealistic, the natural world has a corresponding spiritual realm which keeps it in balance. The deity worshipped has no values, and does not judge good and evil, or take sides. These would be absorbed by the naive child or unsuspecting viewer. Even the more discerning among us, whether believer or unbeliever, might ponder over or reflect upon the
It has been reported that many viewers became depressed after watching Avatar because they were so impressed by the perfect fantasy world, their own reality paled in comparison. This attests to the power of media, the impact that the visual virtual reality has on the human mind and imagination.
The word Avatar itself has a 'spiritual' origin. Various dictionaries concur with the following definitions:
1. Hindu Mythology. the descent of a deity to the earth in an incarnate form or some manifest shape; the incarnation of a god (my addition: Hindus see Jesus as an example of an avatar.)
2. an embodiment or personification, as of a principle, attitude, or view of life.
3. Computers. a graphical image that represents a person, as on the Internet.
Definitions 1 and 3 are portrayed in the movie.
The transfer of the life essence from one being to another is an example of incarnation. So beautifully depicted in the guise of true love transcending all odds, even the boundary of the physical body, this philosophy of life or religious belief is subtly introduced into the viewer's consciousness towards the end of the movie.
The 3-D glasses sometimes got in the way, but minimally:
- I was slightly light-headed when i first put on the glasses because of the weight, but this lasted less than ten minutes.
- The 3-D glasses dropped a few times throughout the movie as they were just hoisted upon my own glasses on a tiny groove.
However, hubby and i were disturbed by the nuances of nature worship that permeated in this fantasy world of Omaticaya People. Idyllic and idealistic, the natural world has a corresponding spiritual realm which keeps it in balance. The deity worshipped has no values, and does not judge good and evil, or take sides. These would be absorbed by the naive child or unsuspecting viewer. Even the more discerning among us, whether believer or unbeliever, might ponder over or reflect upon the
It has been reported that many viewers became depressed after watching Avatar because they were so impressed by the perfect fantasy world, their own reality paled in comparison. This attests to the power of media, the impact that the visual virtual reality has on the human mind and imagination.
The word Avatar itself has a 'spiritual' origin. Various dictionaries concur with the following definitions:
1. Hindu Mythology. the descent of a deity to the earth in an incarnate form or some manifest shape; the incarnation of a god (my addition: Hindus see Jesus as an example of an avatar.)
2. an embodiment or personification, as of a principle, attitude, or view of life.
3. Computers. a graphical image that represents a person, as on the Internet.
Definitions 1 and 3 are portrayed in the movie.
The transfer of the life essence from one being to another is an example of incarnation. So beautifully depicted in the guise of true love transcending all odds, even the boundary of the physical body, this philosophy of life or religious belief is subtly introduced into the viewer's consciousness towards the end of the movie.
Wednesday, 13 January 2010
what we need...
The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender.
There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind.
There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined.
We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith.
We have enough greed; we need more goodness.
We have enough vanity; we need more virtue.
We have enough popularity; we need more purity.
Thursday, 31 December 2009
launching pads?
I came across a phrase recently in a book i'm reading now:
"Your lowest points are launching pads to God's greatest promotions."
This is certainly very encouraging, teaching us to view difficulties and trials as opportunities for growth and maturity, even increase in various areas in our lives or ministry or family.
When we go through challenges, we really need to see them in perspective:
through eyes of eternity (which means whatever we encounter is but temporal),
and through the blood of Jesus, shed to give us victory in our lives, to make us overcomers (which means we prevail over our circumstances.
Of course it is hard to keep things in perspective when you've just been dealt a great blow or a series of punches with no holds barred, and while most of the time, if one is walking close to God, one is prepared. There's still the unexpected that bowls you over, dropping you in a deep swirling pit. But it is still only temporary, and victory WILL come.
So we 'lean' on the Everlasting Arms.
We can be bewildered and puzzled, but those Arms are strong.
We may not understand all because indeed His thoughts and plans are higher, loftier than our own, but His character is steadfast.
Yes, He does tell us things ahead of time. That's what the Holy Spirit is supposed to do.
Yet, the secret things belong to the Lord.
Yet again, the bible tells us that He reveals great and unsearchable things to those who seek Him.
I realise that i'm not here to figure things out on my own.
Instead i rest in Him, in His relationship with me (not so much my relationship with Him, the difference is the focus on His initiative first, then my response), and trust that He will continue to open the eyes of my understanding, continue to reveal His plans and purposes to me, and the secrets that i want to understand.
In my heart of heart, i'm not looking for any promotions.
In my heart of hearts, i just want to glorify Him with my life, including how i respond to Him and to my circumstances in my lowest points.
Let my life be a song of praise to my Lord.
"Your lowest points are launching pads to God's greatest promotions."
This is certainly very encouraging, teaching us to view difficulties and trials as opportunities for growth and maturity, even increase in various areas in our lives or ministry or family.
When we go through challenges, we really need to see them in perspective:
through eyes of eternity (which means whatever we encounter is but temporal),
and through the blood of Jesus, shed to give us victory in our lives, to make us overcomers (which means we prevail over our circumstances.
Of course it is hard to keep things in perspective when you've just been dealt a great blow or a series of punches with no holds barred, and while most of the time, if one is walking close to God, one is prepared. There's still the unexpected that bowls you over, dropping you in a deep swirling pit. But it is still only temporary, and victory WILL come.
So we 'lean' on the Everlasting Arms.
We can be bewildered and puzzled, but those Arms are strong.
We may not understand all because indeed His thoughts and plans are higher, loftier than our own, but His character is steadfast.
Yes, He does tell us things ahead of time. That's what the Holy Spirit is supposed to do.
Yet, the secret things belong to the Lord.
Yet again, the bible tells us that He reveals great and unsearchable things to those who seek Him.
I realise that i'm not here to figure things out on my own.
Instead i rest in Him, in His relationship with me (not so much my relationship with Him, the difference is the focus on His initiative first, then my response), and trust that He will continue to open the eyes of my understanding, continue to reveal His plans and purposes to me, and the secrets that i want to understand.
In my heart of heart, i'm not looking for any promotions.
In my heart of hearts, i just want to glorify Him with my life, including how i respond to Him and to my circumstances in my lowest points.
Let my life be a song of praise to my Lord.
Tuesday, 29 December 2009
breakthrough
We often think of breakthrough as ascending to a higher level, breaking free from bondages, enjoying a greater outpouring of his blessings.
I've had a breakthrough in my life recently where God broke through my defence of vulnerabilities and sensitivities, pain and confusion, to reach within. An deep assurance that He is. An intense awareness of who i am. A sharp focus of His purpose in me.
A quick pull and i was hurled out of the pit.
It was precious.
I've had a breakthrough in my life recently where God broke through my defence of vulnerabilities and sensitivities, pain and confusion, to reach within. An deep assurance that He is. An intense awareness of who i am. A sharp focus of His purpose in me.
A quick pull and i was hurled out of the pit.
It was precious.
Thursday, 24 December 2009
CALL to intimacy (from Morris Cerullo)
The call of the Spirit today is, first of all, a call to the Church of Jesus Christ to return to a personal, intimate relationship with Christ through prayer.
We will be barren, cut off from the divine life flow of God, without a renewed dedication through prayer.
[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death (Phil. 3:10, AMP.).
When you wait for the Lord in prayer, it is not a passive action. The word "wait" in the Scripture means to remain in readiness or expectation. After we pour our hearts out to the Lord, we are to wait, to act in faith, and remain in a state of expectancy, knowing He will make us victorious.
When you truly learn how to wait for the Lord in prayer, you will be immovable! Instead of expecting your help to come from natural sources, your spiritual vision will be focused! Your hope, your expectation and your confidence will be fixed on Him and His promises, and you will not be fearful regardless of what you face.
As you wait for the Lord in prayer, you come into an intimacy with Him where you are able to hear His voice. He opens His heart to you and reveals His will and plan for your life. He gives you discernment to know what actions to take to be victorious in every circumstance and battle you face. When you wait before Him, He reveals His timing, and positions you for victory. Then as you pray according to what He has shown you and whispered to you during your time of intimacy with Him, you are able to take the victory you need in your life— in your physical body, in your finances, in your family and in your ministry.
We will be barren, cut off from the divine life flow of God, without a renewed dedication through prayer.
[For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death (Phil. 3:10, AMP.).
When you wait for the Lord in prayer, it is not a passive action. The word "wait" in the Scripture means to remain in readiness or expectation. After we pour our hearts out to the Lord, we are to wait, to act in faith, and remain in a state of expectancy, knowing He will make us victorious.
When you truly learn how to wait for the Lord in prayer, you will be immovable! Instead of expecting your help to come from natural sources, your spiritual vision will be focused! Your hope, your expectation and your confidence will be fixed on Him and His promises, and you will not be fearful regardless of what you face.
As you wait for the Lord in prayer, you come into an intimacy with Him where you are able to hear His voice. He opens His heart to you and reveals His will and plan for your life. He gives you discernment to know what actions to take to be victorious in every circumstance and battle you face. When you wait before Him, He reveals His timing, and positions you for victory. Then as you pray according to what He has shown you and whispered to you during your time of intimacy with Him, you are able to take the victory you need in your life— in your physical body, in your finances, in your family and in your ministry.
Friday, 13 November 2009
My Tribute: birthday reflections - childhood years (Year 1 to Year 12)
A friend of mine did a year by year summary of her life on her birthday a few months back, and i determined after reading that to do the same on my birthday.
I just celebrated my birthday a few days ago. In recounting the events, this exercise took on a life of its own, becoming more detailed as i went along, remembering either actual memories, or accounts told to me by those close to me.
As i reflected on the events and milestones in my life, i gave thanks to the Lord for His Hand upon my life, and the foundations of faith laid upon my life by my parents.
Year 0 - Mum gave birth to me. Her water bag burst after her own birthday celebration with her extended family, and of course my dad., and i was born the next day. From this year on, i have the privilege of celebrating my birthday together with her. Being the first child, my parents did not know better, and i only slept after many minutes of being shaken in their arms.
Year 1 - Already, i had thick unruly hair which stuck out and up (i've had more than my fair share of bad hair days. thank God for hair-conditioner which helps tame my mane today. No more bad hair days! :D).
Year 2 - My parents say i was quite bold in singing in front of relatives and friends, complete with actions. I did not like the feel of sand or grass under my feet, and would cry when placed on those surfaces.
Year 3 - Halfway through this year, my brother was born. My parents recounted that i was somewhat jealous of him. They caught me once, climbing up on the stool, leaning over the cot, and pinching him. The only reason i was caught is he cried when i pinched him. What a cry baby!
Year 4 - I started music lessons at yamaha. Very fun, got actions, and little instruments like triangle, castinets, etc. I would place all the food i want to eat on my plate, and then not be able to finish it.
Year 5 - Continued music lessons and was involved in my first concert. Started at PAP kindergarten near my place in Toa Payoh. Remember my neighbour or one of her two sons walking me to school around mid-morning as my parents were teaching in school then. After school, the two boys and i would play hide and seek under blankets stretched across chairs and tables. My brother was placed under the care of another neighbour.
Year 6 - Started piano lessons. Graduated from PAP kindergarten. Somewhere there is a photo of my graduating class. I looked pretty pale. Fainted some time after the photo-taking.
Year 7 - Started primary school near my place. Parents forgot to register me for school on the designated day. But thank God the principal who was a close friend allowed me to be slotted in. I was no. 41 in my class, 1B. Remembered sitting on those patterned woven mats.
Year 8 - Took my grade 1 piano and theory exams.
Year 9 - Took grade 3 piano and theory exams. Quit brownies which i actually liked a lot - brown uniform complete with yellow-gold scarf with a bronze-gold pin, I was an elf - all because i could not skip rope. Switched to music ensemble. No uniform. Repetitive rehearsals. Started wearing glasses?
Year 10 - Took grade 4 piano exam. Moved to Sims Drive. Took part in my school group poetry reciting competition with the hymn: Happiness is the Lord. The teacher who trained us, also my form teacher, was Christian, hence the song. Around this time, my father started teaching at a school less than 1km away from our primary school, so my brother (he attended the same school the following year) and i would hang around in his school after ours was over. Switched to English Sunday School and English service at this time. Before this was Chinese Sunday School and Hokkien Service where my grandfather was pastoring.
Year 11 - Became school prefect. Very serious about my tasks and responsibilities. I was becoming less shy too. I remember being the emcee of a school event. Took Grade 5 piano and theory exams.
Year 12 - I started to realise the significance of being born again. I became assured of my salvation, no longer putting up my hand when the altar call was given at Sunday school. I still remember all the choruses we sang in one of the classrooms of that tiny 2-classroom building between the church and the school. I made friends in sunday school whom i still am in contact with today. Life-long friends. God was becoming more real and personal to me. I had always enjoyed going to church, but it was more like part of my family routine/part of life thing. Took Grade 6 piano exam.
Other things i remember were:
Family services a few times a week 'instituted' by my father when we moved to Sims Drive. We sang hymns like What A Friend, Saviour Like A Shepherd, etc. (he had them printed out) which later evolved to include choruses like This is the Day, and other songs of praise from Hosanna Integrity (thin brown booklet, followed by blue booklet). We took turns choosing what we liked to sing. Papa would read from the Bible or follow a family devotional. We would end with prayer. Papa was quite a pray-er, and he would pray around the world for at least half hour. I remember often nodding off as we knelt around the bed. Later my brother and I persuaded him to allow us to kneel on the bed, which were softer on the knees. And with our head on the soft pillow as we knelt on the bed, we would find ourselves drifiting in and out during prayer and be woken up to echo Papa's resounding AMEN! Our hour long family service (at least 20-30 minutes prayer) would sometimes be much shorter if one of us other than Papa prayed. But Papa was not satisfied with our 3 minute prayer. Often he would continue after we stopped, and our prayer 'ordeal' took place night after night. Later mum began to love praying more and more, and our hour long services increased by half an hour to 1.5 hours! We learnt from this about family prayer and praise life, how to have a relationship with God, how God should be an important part of family life. We also learnt how to lead in praise and worship through choosing songs that were meaningful.
Being at church choir practices my parents (usually my dad sang in the choir; mum joined in after my brother and i were older) were in, were really fun. That was my introduction to choral singing and choral life.
Mum taught us to love books. When we tore a page, whether intentionally or accidentally, she would show us how to tape it back with scotch-tape, making it almost as good as new. Her teaching method; show by example, was extremely successful. I grew to love books. I did not even want to have dog eared covers or pages. I don't think that was her purpose. But that was what was instilled in me. Dog-ears in books hurt me.
I would read till i forget to eat. I had favourite books which i re-read over and over again. I remember this irked Papa.
We also played monopoly and dominoes and blackjack (no gambling allowed; we had to constantly assure papa that we will not become gambling addicts). Mum instilled in us the love of counting. Her educational pedagogy: learning through playing games.
I grew up not liking dolls - their eyes were not real. I loved soft toys - more cuddly.
I remember having sleepovers at my cousin Eunice's place and Aunty Pat's place with cousin Eunice. That was before she moved to Australia with her family. I was fascinated by my cousin, who was an interesting and humorous story teller, and she always had different games to play.
I also remember the Child Evangelism Fellowship meetings where mum invited children of neighbours and sometimes her school kids. I helped to serve drinks and also held on to BIG song prompts or BIG story books. My favourite song was Did You Ever Talk TO God Above, and my favourite story was about a little mexican boy who learnt about Jesus and introduced Him to his family.
I hated to practise the piano. it was a lonely and tedious time when i had to practise drills, songs and scales over and over again. From 11 years old, i spent hours talking to parents about wanting to stop, but they were more stubborn than i was. And they were 2 of them against 1 of me. So i completed my Grade 8 piano and theory exams at 14. My brothers were more successful in persuading them, or perhaps by that time, my parents' determination had been worn thin. But looking back, i am glad my parents made me persevere.
I just celebrated my birthday a few days ago. In recounting the events, this exercise took on a life of its own, becoming more detailed as i went along, remembering either actual memories, or accounts told to me by those close to me.
As i reflected on the events and milestones in my life, i gave thanks to the Lord for His Hand upon my life, and the foundations of faith laid upon my life by my parents.
Year 0 - Mum gave birth to me. Her water bag burst after her own birthday celebration with her extended family, and of course my dad., and i was born the next day. From this year on, i have the privilege of celebrating my birthday together with her. Being the first child, my parents did not know better, and i only slept after many minutes of being shaken in their arms.
Year 1 - Already, i had thick unruly hair which stuck out and up (i've had more than my fair share of bad hair days. thank God for hair-conditioner which helps tame my mane today. No more bad hair days! :D).
Year 2 - My parents say i was quite bold in singing in front of relatives and friends, complete with actions. I did not like the feel of sand or grass under my feet, and would cry when placed on those surfaces.
Year 3 - Halfway through this year, my brother was born. My parents recounted that i was somewhat jealous of him. They caught me once, climbing up on the stool, leaning over the cot, and pinching him. The only reason i was caught is he cried when i pinched him. What a cry baby!
Year 4 - I started music lessons at yamaha. Very fun, got actions, and little instruments like triangle, castinets, etc. I would place all the food i want to eat on my plate, and then not be able to finish it.
Year 5 - Continued music lessons and was involved in my first concert. Started at PAP kindergarten near my place in Toa Payoh. Remember my neighbour or one of her two sons walking me to school around mid-morning as my parents were teaching in school then. After school, the two boys and i would play hide and seek under blankets stretched across chairs and tables. My brother was placed under the care of another neighbour.
Year 6 - Started piano lessons. Graduated from PAP kindergarten. Somewhere there is a photo of my graduating class. I looked pretty pale. Fainted some time after the photo-taking.
Year 7 - Started primary school near my place. Parents forgot to register me for school on the designated day. But thank God the principal who was a close friend allowed me to be slotted in. I was no. 41 in my class, 1B. Remembered sitting on those patterned woven mats.
Year 8 - Took my grade 1 piano and theory exams.
Year 9 - Took grade 3 piano and theory exams. Quit brownies which i actually liked a lot - brown uniform complete with yellow-gold scarf with a bronze-gold pin, I was an elf - all because i could not skip rope. Switched to music ensemble. No uniform. Repetitive rehearsals. Started wearing glasses?
Year 10 - Took grade 4 piano exam. Moved to Sims Drive. Took part in my school group poetry reciting competition with the hymn: Happiness is the Lord. The teacher who trained us, also my form teacher, was Christian, hence the song. Around this time, my father started teaching at a school less than 1km away from our primary school, so my brother (he attended the same school the following year) and i would hang around in his school after ours was over. Switched to English Sunday School and English service at this time. Before this was Chinese Sunday School and Hokkien Service where my grandfather was pastoring.
Year 11 - Became school prefect. Very serious about my tasks and responsibilities. I was becoming less shy too. I remember being the emcee of a school event. Took Grade 5 piano and theory exams.
Year 12 - I started to realise the significance of being born again. I became assured of my salvation, no longer putting up my hand when the altar call was given at Sunday school. I still remember all the choruses we sang in one of the classrooms of that tiny 2-classroom building between the church and the school. I made friends in sunday school whom i still am in contact with today. Life-long friends. God was becoming more real and personal to me. I had always enjoyed going to church, but it was more like part of my family routine/part of life thing. Took Grade 6 piano exam.
Other things i remember were:
Family services a few times a week 'instituted' by my father when we moved to Sims Drive. We sang hymns like What A Friend, Saviour Like A Shepherd, etc. (he had them printed out) which later evolved to include choruses like This is the Day, and other songs of praise from Hosanna Integrity (thin brown booklet, followed by blue booklet). We took turns choosing what we liked to sing. Papa would read from the Bible or follow a family devotional. We would end with prayer. Papa was quite a pray-er, and he would pray around the world for at least half hour. I remember often nodding off as we knelt around the bed. Later my brother and I persuaded him to allow us to kneel on the bed, which were softer on the knees. And with our head on the soft pillow as we knelt on the bed, we would find ourselves drifiting in and out during prayer and be woken up to echo Papa's resounding AMEN! Our hour long family service (at least 20-30 minutes prayer) would sometimes be much shorter if one of us other than Papa prayed. But Papa was not satisfied with our 3 minute prayer. Often he would continue after we stopped, and our prayer 'ordeal' took place night after night. Later mum began to love praying more and more, and our hour long services increased by half an hour to 1.5 hours! We learnt from this about family prayer and praise life, how to have a relationship with God, how God should be an important part of family life. We also learnt how to lead in praise and worship through choosing songs that were meaningful.
Being at church choir practices my parents (usually my dad sang in the choir; mum joined in after my brother and i were older) were in, were really fun. That was my introduction to choral singing and choral life.
Mum taught us to love books. When we tore a page, whether intentionally or accidentally, she would show us how to tape it back with scotch-tape, making it almost as good as new. Her teaching method; show by example, was extremely successful. I grew to love books. I did not even want to have dog eared covers or pages. I don't think that was her purpose. But that was what was instilled in me. Dog-ears in books hurt me.
I would read till i forget to eat. I had favourite books which i re-read over and over again. I remember this irked Papa.
We also played monopoly and dominoes and blackjack (no gambling allowed; we had to constantly assure papa that we will not become gambling addicts). Mum instilled in us the love of counting. Her educational pedagogy: learning through playing games.
I grew up not liking dolls - their eyes were not real. I loved soft toys - more cuddly.
I remember having sleepovers at my cousin Eunice's place and Aunty Pat's place with cousin Eunice. That was before she moved to Australia with her family. I was fascinated by my cousin, who was an interesting and humorous story teller, and she always had different games to play.
I also remember the Child Evangelism Fellowship meetings where mum invited children of neighbours and sometimes her school kids. I helped to serve drinks and also held on to BIG song prompts or BIG story books. My favourite song was Did You Ever Talk TO God Above, and my favourite story was about a little mexican boy who learnt about Jesus and introduced Him to his family.
I hated to practise the piano. it was a lonely and tedious time when i had to practise drills, songs and scales over and over again. From 11 years old, i spent hours talking to parents about wanting to stop, but they were more stubborn than i was. And they were 2 of them against 1 of me. So i completed my Grade 8 piano and theory exams at 14. My brothers were more successful in persuading them, or perhaps by that time, my parents' determination had been worn thin. But looking back, i am glad my parents made me persevere.
Thursday, 12 November 2009
singing to one another...
When we come together as a body of Christ, we are exhorted to 'sing to one another'.
Colossians 3:16 (AMP)
Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts.
I love how the Amplified Version puts it: "Let that the Word spoken by Christ the Messiah have its home".
As the saying goes, home is where the heart is.
Here, home is where the word is and the word is in our hearts.
And as the word of God dwells in our hearts, there is going to be an outflow... of psalms and hymns and spiritual songs... full of wisdom and intelligence and insight into spiritual things.
Some have asked me how to know the things of God, how to know spiritual things. We have to put the Word in our hearts, we have to spend time knowing His Word. Then the outflow mentioned above will naturally come.
Colossians 3:16 (AMP)
Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts.
I love how the Amplified Version puts it: "Let that the Word spoken by Christ the Messiah have its home".
As the saying goes, home is where the heart is.
Here, home is where the word is and the word is in our hearts.
And as the word of God dwells in our hearts, there is going to be an outflow... of psalms and hymns and spiritual songs... full of wisdom and intelligence and insight into spiritual things.
Some have asked me how to know the things of God, how to know spiritual things. We have to put the Word in our hearts, we have to spend time knowing His Word. Then the outflow mentioned above will naturally come.
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