Nurturing the Creative Life [Brilliant article]

by Elisabeth Adams (Boundless)

The car is parked, and I am in the passenger seat: nose to nose with a Volvo — and eye to eye with the computer screen on my lap. I've already chatted with Israel, Korea, England and Texas this morning, but there's no chance of that now. My wireless connection is miles away, and it's time to write an article. If I can still all the noise in my head.

Forget writer's block: I think I have a full-fledged case of creativity deficit.

Have you noticed that the older you get, the more you're expected to produce? For me, it's articles. Writing advice. Lesson plans. Progress assessments. Activities for our small group. Specific encouragement for friends. Ways to honor my leaders. Words to share God's glory. Solutions when I've miscommunicated — again. Political opinions. Spiritual convictions. And something to eat for dinner tonight.

My friend Alison, a mother of six, says it well: "I love everything I do. There's just so much of it."

On good days, I'm stimulated, fascinated, and fulfilled by all the callings God has placed in my life. On bad days, I'm discouraged, overwhelmed, and downright dry.

Some folks amaze me: They wake up in the morning, drink their coffee, and sit down to create. Out of their minds come skyscrapers and symphonies, poems and paintings, clothing styles, chemical formulas, computer programs, entirely new flavor combinations, and whole imaginary worlds. With God-like creativity, they bring something out of nothing, day after day after day.

To an outside observer the creative process seems little short of miraculous. Notes, lines, hues, flavors, formulas, and codes; characters, quatrains, and the very keystrokes I'm using this moment: Where does it all come from?

Remember Bezelel? God tapped him to craft a Tent of Meeting from blue and purple and scarlet fabrics, gold, silver, and bronze, acacia wood, animal skins and precious stones. He called him to complete the combined tasks of carpenter and seamstress, embroiderer and engraver, jeweler and tentmaker. And then He gave him the skill to do so.

Remember Solomon? Not only was he famed for his wisdom, but he was a prolific author: over a thousand songs and three thousand proverbs (the best-selling advice column of his day). Solomon was frank about the work involved in making so many books: collecting sayings that would goad his readers into wise behavior, weighing them, arranging them, and seeking out the most delightful turn of phrase. He was equally frank about the source of his words: "They are given by one Shepherd."

That word-giving Shepherd, that skill-bestowing Designer is my Creator Himself, the One who promised never to leave me. So what's up with the writer's block? Considering the Resident Expert, why should I ever experience a lapse in creativity?

Jesus spelled it out for me this way:

Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.¹

Abide, says my Strong's Concordance, is an action: "to stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)," to "continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry."

This isn't a quick refueling stop; it's a lifestyle. It's not a task to be accomplished, but a relationship to be nurtured, day after day after day. In fact, I can't separate the well-being of my creative life from my mental, physical and spiritual health — and I'm glad it's that way. Each deadline reminds me afresh that I need to abide in the Vine.

But what in the world does that look like? What does it mean in practical terms to nurture the creative life?

Ask. God likes to create through me; He also likes to be asked. And not as a last-minute addition to the project, but the senior member: His projects, His power, His glory. And His responsibility. If I abide in the Vine, there will be fruit. It might not be the fruit I expected, but it will be His, and it will be to His glory. If I don't make this deadline, His glory continues unruffled and unimpeded. That's a humbling — and restful — place to be.

Eat well. Nourish your spirit and your imagination. Think about Olympic athletes: Because they demand so much from their bodies, they are rigorously choosy about their intake. This doesn't mean you're limited to high-brow literature: just literature with real content, whether that be fantasy, humor, history, philosophy, botany, or the Bible itself. Read broadly. Cultivate a sense of curiosity. Investigate new skills. Listen to good music. Notice nature. Look at art. Surround yourself with people who love to learn. And ask lots and lots of questions.

Exercise. Recently, I visited the Web site of an artist who paints a 15-minute sketch every day, and it got me thinking. Theoretically, I neglect blogging, letter-writing, and journaling because I am hard at the work of planning an article. (Or fulfilling other responsibilities. Or resting. Or earnestly procrastinating, as the case may be.) But to neglect daily practice is about as sensible as running a marathon just once every month, and saving up my energies the rest of the time.

Be disciplined. Know what gets you into the creative groove — perhaps freewriting, brainstorming, walking or working with your hands — and make it part of your routine. Finding inspiration is a lot like fishing. Go where the ideas are likely to be, and stick around for a while. It's no use complaining that the fish aren't biting, if you're not down at the shore with your line in the water.

Be flexible. Ideas don't necessarily come when you want them. There may be times when you put in long hours of work while inspiration is burning. And other times when you are in a holding pattern. Learn to ask "What can I do?" Make use of the waiting times to clear the decks for action when it comes. But beware of activities that suck you in and actually prevent you from arriving at a creative frame of mind: things like internet, TV, mindless conversation — or even organizing every corner of your room.

Be still. Ideas need a dark, hidden period in order to grow. Life will doesn't provide pockets of quiet: you have to schedule it in — daily, weekly, season by season, for the rest of your life. Whether actual or mental, get rid of background noise. Meditate. Think. Pray. Talk things over with God, and listen to what He says.

And finally: Just do it.

If I were reading this article instead of writing it, this is where I'd break in. "Wait!" I'd say. "Sometimes I just can't do it!" I'm the one who has to go to a parking lot to escape distraction, remember? The one who once — in a last-ditch attempt to focus on a college essay — parked herself on the cellar stairs. With the door closed. And the lights off.

Recently, I ran away from my writing just long enough to visit a few used bookstores. Among my finds was a paperback called Write to the Point, which honed right in on the mystery of the creative process:

By learning how the Conspicuous Writers put words on paper (is there anything special about the paper? what color is it?), the audience hopes to plug into some of their power ... some trick we could learn, some secret.

There is no secret. I won't convince you of this, except intellectually, and you already know it. I can't convince myself. I keep feeling I am going to do something different one day and begin writing stuff that will make people hold their foreheads in amazement.

But here is the truth:

Conspicuous Writers write their sentences the way you and I do — one word after the other.²

The chances are very good that you engage in some creative activity that baffles those around you. (If it's lesson plans or logarithms, social events or sanitation that you're brainstorming, then I am definitely one of your admirers.) No matter how nothingish it seems to you, I am certain you are called to something. You have some story to grow, tell, paint, act, build, sing, shout or sculpt; some aspect of God's character to teach, show and live. No one else can do it. You might as well do it badly, if necessary. And you might as well begin now.

There's no secret: just work.

Just work — and your Creator.

For novelist Elizabeth George, showing up to write every day is an act of faith. Faith that God gave her talent. Faith that if she can imagine a book, she can finish it, one sentence at a time.³

For me, placing my fingers on the keyboard at this moment is an act of faith. Not that I will write something that makes people hold their foreheads in amazement. But that God has called me to write this article today. Faith, not in the perfect time (believe me, it never arrives), but in the perfect One. Faith that if I sit down to obey, He will show up with the inspiration.

When I create, I'm not an innovator; I'm an imitator. I'm made in the image of the One who called worlds into being with a word. The One who knit me together in my mother's womb, giving me blue eyes like my grandfathers', big knuckles like my dad's, and a mind that delights in words, words, and more words. The One whose living Word is living inside me now, turning my words into more uses than I will ever have wit to plan. That's where all the creativity comes from.

* * *

Proverbs31 - Fruits of her hands

It’s been two months since I last wrote. That’s how busy I was! Even writing this took me awhile to really decide if I wanted to cause it’ll usually take me at least an hour to write. Gathering my thoughts into words isn’t an easy thing;) I do miss multiplying. I think I grew a lot from it. Heh.

Ok ok the thing that I’ll be sharing it’s on Proverbs 31=) The woman King Lemuel mum asked him to look out for. When God opens up a scripture to you, it becomes a part of you. Memorizing verses from that passage will be effortless. So will living out god’s word in your life be easy when it’s in you.

Usually He’ll give me a picture, with a feeling I know it’s from him and I’ll try my best to write it down in words. So here was what I got the other day :

“Women today tend to be caught up w pursuing task tt portray power/strength in what god has given the task to man and lose sight of their God given identity. You become most beautiful when u do live it out.”

And as I study the scriptures, I began asking myself,

What then specifically are the role of a woman and a man besides the simple the ones we know of a man leading and e wife his helper?

Is there a difference when both are working?

How do you know if a career woman is living the best that god wants for her?

How would you define a woman of strength? 

Right then I wasn’t able to clearly say I knew the answers till I kept reading Proverbs 31 over and over again. I love how the GNB version describes it=)

10  How hard it is to find a capable wife! She is worth far more than jewels!

11  Her husband puts his confidence in her, and he will never be poor.

12  As long as she lives, she does him good and never harm.

13  She keeps herself busy making wool and linen cloth.

14  She brings home food from out-of-the-way places, as merchant ships do.

15  She gets up before daylight to prepare food for her family and to tell her servant women what to do.

16  She looks at land and buys it, and with money she has earned she plants a vineyard.

17  She is a hard worker, strong and industrious.

18  She knows the value of everything she makes, and works late into the night.

19  She spins her own thread and weaves her own cloth.

20  She is generous to the poor and needy.

21  She doesn't worry when it snows, because her family has warm clothing.

22  She makes bedspreads and wears clothes of fine purple linen.

23  Her husband is well known, one of the leading citizens.

24  She makes clothes and belts, and sells them to merchants.

25  She is strong and respected and not afraid of the future.

26  She speaks with a gentle wisdom.

27  She is always busy and looks after her family's needs.

28  Her children show their appreciation, and her husband praises her.

29  He says, "Many women are good wives, but you are the best of them all."

30  Charm is deceptive and beauty disappears, but a woman who honors the LORD should be praised.

31  Give her credit for all she does. She deserves the respect of everyone.

Then He asked me to count the number of times where she uses her hands to work in the verses that attribute a virtuous wife (v.13-v.27).

It amazes me to hear that from him. Little did I realized so many times hands were used in the context. (wow just saw this now) In fact, ALL e attributes has got to do with her hands with only one on speaking in wisdom. She works, give, brings, buys, reach, opens for her/to make linen, food, merchant, wools, vineyard, household, husband, children. How many times have we as children/husband wants something else from our mum/wife. These are the attributes that guides you towards becoming a virtuous woman.

A woman who busies herself only in her career probably fulfill v.17 hard worker, strong and industrious. The one who stay home to nurture her children and care for the needs of her husband and household is only able to fulfill the rest.

I love these two verses I read:

v.16 with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.(ESV)

v.18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night.

If I’m not wrong, I think this woman earn her income from home=) With the little she has, her profit, she does not use it but instead like a seed plant it! (just caught this tooJ)

One thing I know of this lady is, when her children call for her, they can just run to her because she’s always home. When her husband returns, he returns to a home with dinner all prepared (Only just now I smell e aroma of food coming from my neighbours house, love it). He comes home to a worry free home with everything taken care of. I do not know how is that possible if a mum would to spend the whole day working(I know of two woman in my life though who could, one of which was my mum and my ex-principal. Amazing. People whom I deeply respect)They better share the workload! Otherwise, she’ll be exhausted doing the house chores alone after having face e stress at work.

In all that she does, her husband is well know and respected (v.23) and will never be poor(v.11). What a good deal! All they need to do is find one. Haha.

The last verse sums it well and truly was a confirmation to me =) “Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.”

There is a power of provision within women that needs to be tapped into like an oil well. B.J.Yoder. 

Duration : 2hours =)

Let your speech be season with salt

"Ever heard of e proverbs that says a nagging wife is like e water going drip, drip, drip...a dripping air-con creates e same effect. No peace of mind. Figured out a way to solve e problem. Attached a string to e dripping point and let it flow down.. No more dripping sound but a gentle soothing sound of water flowing down:)"

 

I wrote this in my facebook this morning after I manage to finally get rid of the dripping sound.

 

Have you ever had an encounter of havng to do your work with the sound of dripping water? I never truly understood why the writer in the proverbs would equate a nagging wife to a dripping water until today=)

 

So this morning I was just telling god how disturbing it would have been to sleep and do my work on monday with this sound. And the air-con man is only coming on tues. I have a fan but air-con would be good. I didn't know where the idea of attaching a string came from, but it just flash at me. It must has been from God saving grace:)

 

Then it became a conversation I have with God. I kept looking at the string.. and he ask me. What is the opposite of nag. I kept hearing pleasant speech.

 

He ask me then to look at the difference between a drip and the change that has taken place...it was gentle sound of flowing water, you could hardly even hear it. A quiet peace and rest.

 

When your speech is pleasant, it becomes a source of rest to those who hears it. It'll be a flow. Easy. Not something you have to conjure up.

 

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Colossians 4:6

 

If you're not sure what a pleasant speech is like, look at the antonyms of nag;)

 

Antonyms of nag : please, approve, commend, compliment, praise, acclaim, appease, gladden, make happy, molify, soften, gratify, aid, soothe

 

(the picture above was a 15mo old baby I met in the train while coming home. Couldn't resist playing with her. Coincidentally she is name after wisdom, Sophie. The core msg of Pastor's sermon today=))

Updates on work & sch

Decided to take a break tonight to just surf the net and relax...so multiplying can be a form of rest too heh.
I received back my assignment for the module, "Designing Learning Environment" yesterday and was surprised to have gotten an A with excellence for most of the area. I remember trying to figure out what to write to add up to the number of words. Maybe it's true that I really do like this topic.
For the pass few Saturdays i've been back school doing up my class to look like a farm for my upcoming practicum. I think deco really drives me because time flies when I do it and I enjoy them. Doesn't feel so much like a chore coming back to school.
But contrary to it, my bedroom is plain & simple. Maybe because it's not my own home. Marks made on the wall is detrimental heh. Can't wait for the day I can design my own home. It impossible now when I think of it, but the good thing is ideas always comes from Him at that moment. That is why when people tell me i'm creative, I deny it at that moment because ideas come as I do.
This year has been year of great joy.. I see the faithfulness of God esp in my work and school.
The transfer to a new school to start a new toddler class happened at a perfect time. I could not have done my practicum with babies. Heh.
I get a new room to start with. It's twice the size of a normal classroom. It's a perfect size for my practicum as I need space for different corners and it's easy to play around it.
Few months back, I was blessed with an apprentice. She has been a joy and help to me. Rarely or not in my knowledge do I know of a toddler class in another school with three teachers. She'll be leaving the week after my prac test to a new school and another person coming in to help me. How timely.
This week has been a light week for me. With so much left to do, I get more spare time as most of my kids are away.
My parents teacher meeting was postpone to this Saturday when there's no GenRev and the Saturday before my prac test, GenRev is cancelled due to the Mid autumn giving me more time to prepare. Feels like everything is working for me=)
It's not too hard to receive his blessings and to be found in the right place. In fact, dun try. Cause it's never mend to be that way. Trust your father's heart to put all things together for you.

To my utter amazement

On Thurs I was blessed with scrap-booking materials worth over 300hundred.

On the same day, my colleague gave me something which I wanted but didn't spend the money to buy it now. I went to check out the price, it probably cost about two hundred plus in total.

Just now after service, I went to check out the clothes in Naf Naf in Vivocity. It's my fav brand and fav sales lady:) She said she was going to give me a free VIP card. A lady yesterday bought an amount eligible for this but didn't wanted it so she gave it to me! On top of that, this is unbelievable. She sold to me the dress which I love so much the last time for only $30 from $150. It's not one but four of it. The other two tops were only $20 each! I saved nearly $400 plus. It's really grace. On top of all that, she gave me additional 10%?? Supposingly there's a 'defect' on it, like a thread that came out at the side:) which is not visible and I can easily sew them..hehe...anymore clothes that are 'defect' haha
After all this, I turned back and ask myself. What did I do? It's really nothing. I still have my shortcomings but that didn't stop his blessings from flowing because if it had, I would not have received them.
One thing I know is true. You can never out give God. Test him in this area of giving and see your miracle.
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it. Malachi 3:10

beyond my imagination:)

Just within this few days alone, I witness so many 'coincidences'. Blessings beyond my imaginations..feels like, 'I never did thought that could happen. Is as though God hears and answer my every thoughts.
Today as I was walking out of the school via a different route, I bum into my child's parents. I see her everyday but this time she ask me where I was going. Told her I was going to Plaza Sing to get some materials to spend the day on Saturday to decorate up my class for my practicum.
"Why not you come over to my place. I do scrapbooking, I've lots of cloth and paper and you choose what you want". said my beloved Harmony's mum.
Ok why not I thought, since my intention was to look around for materials I could use and get some ideas..
I wasn't expecting to see abundance of them. I have no words to describe the extend of scrapbooking materials she has! She laughed and said that her stuff may gather up to hundreds of thousands. Never in my life have I met someone who owns that much or who are so into it. In fact, she does scrapbooking as a business and conduct classes. Something I love doing.
The lettering you see in the pictures, one font set cost about $500 and she has hundreds of them. And that's only lettering excluding the pictures and other fanciful stuff. Each Pat's Schoolhouse only have one set of alphabet and 4 pictures because they are expensive and she owns thousands of them! She even offered for me to come over to borrow them whenever I want and take the papers.
She then let me choose freely from the collection of scrap paper that she has and it was the most wonderful thing to do. If you know how much these papers cost, you'll know the extend of grace I felt heh I remember buying just a few sheets of scrap paper to make birthday cards for my fellow Befrienders from 'Made with Love' and it cost about twenty over. Even that I had to think twice. Papers are not cheap. But I love having lots of them to choose from.
I counted just now and there were 101pieces of patterned papers excluding the other stack of A4 colour sheets and felt materials she gave me. The most shocking thing was she turned back after saying bye and went to her room and gave me her whole set of colour glitters! I think it could total up to three hundred plus.
This afternoon, I happened to be there when my colleague had something new to give away which was something I'll not spend my money on buying now. And it fits perfectly.
Yesterday, I was offered to serve for Darlene Hillsongs counter for the following Sunday and i'm paid a fairly good amount.
Shortly after that, my ex job manager msn me to ask how I was. Was asking him if he still needs people at night to take care of the kids playing the computer and he said yes. And it was only yest morning while walking to work I was thinking of where I could work at night after my studies. It pays very well and plus it's a place I would still like to learn from. Greater motivation:)
Blessings back home...mum called to tell me that she saved a thousand dollar from having to buy grass and plant them in our new house. Yes nowadays you have to buy grass haha So happened the houses opposite was doing plumbing and had to dig out those grass:) mum ask if they need and and they said no and dig out even more when they realised she needs them heh
Faith pleases God. That's what I see as I write this. I remember having to decide whether if I should move to my current place given that I would be paying more. I felt the peace but when I calculated the cost, it was impossible. But I knew He was telling me to trust Him. I do not know how this works, but it's amazing how he stretches my money.
God can do beyond what we can think or imagine. I love the way he conveys his love to me:)

Ideas are what makes you stand out

Being a children teacher is no easy task. I used to be able to say I that don't know how to get angry until I started working here. When i'm tired and the children are screaming at the top of their lungs and doing on purpose the things I disallow for the sheer pleasure of seeing my annoyed look and then laugh..makes me boil. heh. Now i'm immune to it. I've learned that a treat of sweet or snack does wonders to them participating well in class and keeping silent.
How then can I be a teacher i'm proud of and others are proud of me. I asked. I used to think is by continually learning from others. Then my perspective changed today. It brings to remembrance what my ex-principal told me(I saw her in my sch last week and the very sight of her inspired me!) Do not be a follower. Be a leader. I know that it's good to learn from books and others. We need to have the basic knowledge. But how you go from there determine who you'll be later. Originality makes you different. It stands you out among the rest. Coming out with your own ideas keeps and build the foundation in you. I asked my ex-principal once how she design all the costumes for the concert and even did one for the first lady having not go for classes or have any experience. She just learned it all by herself. And that's powerful. Now that I have to search my own book, come out with my own lesson plan for speech & drama, plan the science and arts activity without the usual manual given..I see how more creative and corrective we can become. Corrective because after every lesson I tend unconsciously evaluate how I've done as compared to my given toddler lesson when it's 'compulsory' to evaluate and I hardly did.
Today as I was making a manipulative activity for my upcoming practicum, a colleague walked pass and commented it was very nice and said that I have always been creative. You'll be surprised that I got my idea just early this morning when I woke up at 5am and couldn't get back to sleep. I saw two new things I could do. I'm amazed myself. When you are able to see it, is as good as real. Just caught this. Ask God for a million dollar idea. It's million dollar because usually you're the originator. If you're a follower, most likely you'll just helping him earn his millions;) Now i'm helping my boss earn her million haha..
The times when i'm stress is when I don't see it.
Reading is good. I love to read but if you give a thought to it..the more you read the more of people's idea you accumulate. Reading the bible and letting God open up the scriptures to you vs reading a Christian commentary. The later one seems easier and more knowledge gain. Which makes you stronger and changes your life? It's simply getting to know the subject yourself. I saw a strength in me when I have no one to rely on for my lesson and I learned to do it myself...of course with God tagging me along.
What makes even the least educated rich. Knowledge? He would probably fair the lowest. It was simply an idea he saw. Abraham saw the stars and he was a father to many. The stars were there all the while, it's only until God open his eyes to see.
I've been conversing with the Lord a lot lately and his reply seem to be a bit different this time:) His voice seems pretty clear like someone speaking back.
I bring him along for grocery shopping and he helps me makes wise decision.
I bring him into my conversations with my friend and he tells me what to say and not to say...or the ones I should be beware of haha
And the result is life and life more abundantly! hehe...

the friend in me

When you feel courage in the midst of a threatening situation, when you feel power in the midst of a challenge, when you feel hope in the midst of a time of despair, and when you face life with all it's difficulties and are inspired to go on, that's the work of the Holy Spirit in your life. Brian L. Harbour

I've been so busy with my school and work lately that i'm 'exhausting' my mc to doing instead of resting. In the midst of all this, I hear a gentle quiet voice deep inside me like a friend stooding by me when i'm tired or distress. It gives me the rest I needed. I started to ask myself these pass two days question in regards to the present and absence of peace this friend gives.

How can I be sure if there was a tugging 'no peace' feeling.

The answer became clear when I had the 'tugging' feeling lately about somethings and I went forward with it giving me more unrest. A few days ago, I was asking God some questions and I felt a sudden life to it. I always thought it was dfficult to know this feeling. Why then when I asked earlier and there wasn't any answer it seems... maybe it's simply a waiting period God wants me to learn something or speaks to me.

The Lord will be clear to you if it's the wrong step. The friend in you, the Holy Spirit will lead you with a strong tugging uneasiness if it's a NO entry.

Another area the Lord has been speaking to me is prayer. Went to the library just now and happened to see a book on prayer. Will write on it when He shows it to me.

Cheers. Back to work tomorrow. Grace grace:)

Acknowledge Your Powerlessness

There are places in you where you are completely powerless. You so much want to heal yourself, fight your temptations, and stay in control. But you cannot do it yourself. Every time you try, you are more discouraged. So you must acknowledge your powerlessness. This is the first step in Alcoholics Anonymous and the treatment of all addictions. You might as well think of your struggle this way. Your inexhaustible need for affection is an addiction. It rules your life and makes you a victim.
Simply start by admitting that you cannot cure yourself. You have to say yes fully to your powerlessness in order to let God heal you. But it is not really a question of first and then. Your willingness to experience your powerlesness already include the beginning of surrender to God's action in you. When you cannot sense anything of God's healing presence, the acknowledgement of your powerlessness is too frightening. It is like jumping from a high wire without a net to catch you.
Your willingness to let go of your desire to control your life reveals a certain trust. The more you relinquish your stubborn need to maintain power, the more you will get in touch with the One who has the power to heal and guide you. And the more you get in touch with that divine power, the easier it will be to confess to yourself and others your basic powerlessness.
One way you keep holding on to an imaginary power is by expecting something from outside gratifications or future events. As long as you run from where you are and distract yourself, you cannot fully let yourself be healed. A seed only flourishes by staying in the ground in which it is sown. When you keep digging the seed up to check whether it is growing, it will never bear fruit. Think about yourself as a little seed planted in rich soil. All you have to do is stay there and trust that the soil contain everything you need to grow. This growth takes place even if you do not feel it. Be quiet, acknowledge your powerlessness, and have faith that one day you will know how much you have received.
                                                                               The Inner Voice of Love, Henri Nouwen
I love the illustration drawn using the little seed planted in rich soil. Just give me a sense of rest. The plant continues to grows regardless of where it's planted, be it a mansion or in a run down estate. It continues to grow as long as it's planted in good soil and watered daily. Our growth has never been dependant on our outward circumstances but where we plant ourselves to hear His Word. Oh, this just came from the Lord:) If you are already planted in good ground and is constantly hearing His Word, you are growing!
I went to flickr hoping to find a picture of a sprouting plant. And the picture you see above was the picture I had in mind and was posted on the main page! =) Amazing,

Looking back..

Found this in the web. Taken during my first month:)

I remember having the desire to teach the older children when I was 'trapped' with taking care of the babies in Baby Haven, the place where I started. God in His humour put me to teach all the age group from toddler to K2 now in 3 different programs. It has to be grace that I enjoy the 'load' given to me.
I thank god for the new VP whom I could share my ideas to and run with it. She gives me the freedom to plan the lesson and at the same time contribute her ideas. There's this new thing which we implemented. It was on playing the outdoor activities that we played when we were young. Something we see lacking in our kids today. You could hardly see kids playing marbles, monkey game, frisbee, basketball, netball, jumping over the rubber band string nowadays to name a few.
I saw the importance of it when I started to introduce the games to them one by one. The games that we thought were simple and came naturally to me when I was young or was good at were a struggle to all of them. Simply because they have no opportunity to play them. And these games do require some skills what running in playground could not do or doing worksheets;)
Today, I was so touched when they could finally skip over the string of rubber bands that we made in the correct way after many rounds of practises on crossing their legs the right way. It's really very fulfilling to see them gaining confidence and skills in all this.
One time a girl cried when she lost a game of netball. My principal passed by, surprised that this so called tuff girl would cry said, "We should play more of this games" haha..
It's exciting to try out new things for this little ones, be it doing art or playing along with them. I'm new in learning most of the things too as I teach them;)
Thank God for this matured student acting as an apprentice in my class. Awesome person to have around in class and to help me for my practicum. So timely indeed.
And the best thing is I found out my lecturer stays two bus stops from me =D Now I get free ride homes in just half an hour hehe
Everything in our life work for our greatest good!

Music an expression of our heart

Decided to come back earlier than usual today after service to have some me time. Been so busy doing everything that needs to be done.
Wasn't prepared to swim but as I was walking home I saw the pool and was tempted:) so I did. Refreshing.
Today I finally laid my hands on the piano. Took out the stack of chord charts I have kept for some time.
Wow...I could sense His presence and love so strongly. The songs were, Jesus shall take the highest honour, You are so faithful, I press on & So you would come. These songs are pretty old but it's really nice to hear them played again.
That's when I realised how blessed it is to be able to play an instrument. I didn't have to wait for a worship session to enjoy the sound of music and even if I did, it may not be the song that I wish it was at times. I could translate out what that's on my heart into music. That's the beautiful thing about music. Something maybe even writing could not express.
I can't wait for my studies to end soon. I could spend more time in fine tuning and picking up new skills. I believe Jesus will provide for me the people and materials for me to succeed in it. amen:)

The place to be

Thank you Lord for this new place, I still am in love with it.
The Lord knew it way before me that this last three months of my studies would be the peak of my workload. Never ending assignments and presentations. I couldn't have imagine how life would have been if I had remain in my old place. I would have been overwhelmed. Heh.
It's a strange thing here that even with my little sleep I do not feel lethargic. Maybe it's the air-con;) I could focus more with my work. I've come to conclusion that the environment you live in affects a large part of you. If given a choice I would love to stay in a condo all my life, unless i've a house with swimming pool haha.. going down for a swim after cooking is heavenly:)
The aunty invited me to her house for dinner just now. She prepared 8 dishes just for the 9 of us. She served us so well it feels as though I was in a restaurant. We had scallop, beef, chicken, tofu, broccoli, noodles...followed by jelly, layer cake & haagen dazs ice cream:)
It feels like home coming together with her church friends and relatives. It's a nice feeling to hear prayer said before a meal with everyone seated. It's nice walking home with the cold breeze. I met a Sec 2 girl and found out she actually went for Zone concert thru a friend friend=) Aunty even invited the two other girls there and me to phuket one day and she'll pay for the stay in Marriot =D
She then mentioned about her going to thailand recently to reach out to the four groups of people : orphans, prostitutes, AIDS children and disabled. One of the project they did was to buy over a land for the prostitute to stay. They were actually bought out of it to stay there and earn a living. And she would teach them to cook. Was asking her if I could join her one day to which she replied, "Have you stayed in a slum before?'...hmmm...:)
She's been following me to church too and each time I go out with her she feeds me well. Heh. Last week she saw the announcement for the mid-autumn service and asked if i'm interested. My hope for her is that she'll taste and experience the love of God in a deeper way.
Thank you Lord once again. I wouldn't be where I am today meeting the right people at the right place if it hasn't been for you.

interest influence inspired

Lately, I started to explore at cooking my own meal. The initial reason that made me to take this up was simply because I have no access to a nearby hawker stall. Restaurants are like everywhere. And since I get the privilege to cook now, and it's always something I had wanted to do...why not I thought:)
It turned out to be better than I thought. Lots to learn, or rather something new I could start with.
I learned that when I steam my drumstick chicken, I have to make a few slits in order for it to cook well. It happened twice when I was about to eat the inside that I realised blood was spilling out haha...of course I end up asking and sharing with my colleagues and mum and both told me the same thing. It's simple but yet we take it for granted the little things our mum do when she was in kitchen. There's always something to learn even from the simplest. And self cook food somehow just taste better:)
There was a time I happened to bum into joan's aunty at the cold storage and she told me the place to buy cheaper stuff. I was there today and an aunty told me the orange was really cheap. And I was just thinking of buying them:) I asked her then, how can you know if a orange is sweet. I seem to end up buying the sour ones and I really dislike it. And she gave me a lecture of it. haha. Sweet orange = moist skin, smooth skin, heavy and the color. Well she really did a good job in choosing for me. It's been so long since I tasted a sweet orange.
I dared myself to cut my fringe yesterday. Was kind of inspired by my colleague and just wanted to look fresh with a new hair cut. I sat in the salon in disbelief when a large part of me was chopped off. I wasn't use to the look. My lao shi hasn't gotten use to the change either. Heh. My kids love it. When I look at them now, I see a mirror image of myself in them:) One colleague say I look like 17. Younger than the new believer I spoke to during the Zone concert who thought I was 18 haha.. After a day, I've gotten use to it and loving it. A fresher look:)
Newness keeps us alive and gives us life. I find that when we seek to learn a new thing, build an interest in it, He never fails to give you the grace for it. People, materials are all available within our means. When a water is stagnant it breeds mosquito, but where there is a river flowing, we see plants flourishing. I guess when we continually feed on new things, we'll see our life flourish. You'll look younger too;)

Chance upon

My mum just told me that we managed to get a good buyer for our current house. Earlier this year, my dad told me that he'll be buying a house and it was exactly what my mum has always wanted ever since I was young. A place where she can do her gardening and also near enough for her to walk to church.

This was the house she saw way before my dad told her that he'll be buying. Then he refuse and said there's not a need to buy one. Many times my mum have suggested other houses but still he'll not agree to it.
Amazingly, my dad message me one day and told me he's getting the house for mum before she even knew about it *beam* wow...a change of heart I thought;) It has to be god to have kept that house for us. It was in the best location and hardly would someone sell it if it has not been for a good offer.
We bought it for half the price of the bank valuation. Because of economy downturn then, the bank lawyer fees was waive to half. We could easily sell it for double the price now.
For our current house, we manage to sell it 2.5times more than what we bought it for. I was surprised that we even get such a good deal. We were offered higher than the bank valuation of that house. A total opposite of our new house! haha. Because of that, the bank is only able to loan to the buyer the amount it's valued.
In fact my parents didn't even rush to sell it. The renovation would take awhile and my mum would tell me there's lots more time.
What amazes me is this. In this week I signed two letters. One was for my current new place and the other a letter courier to me from the lawyer in Ipoh for my new house. The house will be officially ours in August. Two new place happened at the same time. And both were something that's been in our hearts.
I never did remember ever looking forward coming home from work or school. But now I do. I looked out of the window yesterday and saw mist in the midst of the hill:) what a lovely sight. I can look forward now to go back to my hometown too to witness before me a dream come true for my mum.
Surely He has made all things beautiful in His time.

A Hat for Ivan by Max Lucado

I was handed a stack of story-books last week by my VP to read and to pick from for my speech and drama lesson. To which I realised I brought home the wrong book I intended to plan for my lesson this week. So I had to settle with what I have.
It was a book by Max Lucado title "A Hat for Ivan"
Hmm. Interesting I thought. Never knew Max Lucado have storybooks for children.
I read through the book and was touched:) It was in line with the sermon by Pastor Prince on Father and son relationship.
It was a story of a young boy whose father was a Hat Maker. Ivan's father would create hats that were perfect for each person. At the age of ten each boy and girl in that town would celebrate Hat Day and Ivan was nine then and he would wonder how his hat would be like. As he walks pass the streets, he would meet different people like the Baker, the carpenter, the pianist...etc and they would ask him to try out their hats. It was either too big or it just didn't fit but Ivan would accept each one of them without wanting to hurt their feelings. Ivan always thought his hat would come from his father but now he thought he might have been wrong.
He became so tired taking on all the hats when he heard a voice from a distance
"Looks like you've had quite a day"
Ivan couldn't remember when a voice ever sounded so good. "Father!" he shouted, jumping up." You won't believe what happened today. Everybody gave me a hat and --"
"None of them fit" Ivan's father spoke up.
"That's right," said the boy.
"And they make you tired?" Ivan nodded.
"But you don't want to hurt anyone's feelings?" Ivan shook his head. His father put this arm around his son.
"That's right." Ivan stopped. "How did you know?"
I'm the hat maker, Ivan. I've seen what happens when people wear hats they weren't intended to wear. They feel silly. They fall down. And they get tired."
Ivan's father go down on his knee and wiped a smudge of dirt off his son's cheek.
"Listen, son, just because someone gives you a hat, that doesn't mean you are supposed to wear it. They mean well, but they don't know you. That's my job. I'm the hat-maker, and i'm your father."
"So you'll make a hat just for me?"
"I will. All you have to do is ask."
Oh, please, Father." Ivan smiled. "I would like that very much."
"Well, let's gather u these hats and go home then."
As the hat-maker and his child walked toward home, the father asked, "Tell me, Ivan, what do you really love to do?
The story ended with a picture of the dad cheerfully carrying all the hats that Ivan had collected. This story reminds me of the story of the prodigal son or myself. There are times I get discouraged with what I have or who I am and seek to have the things I see around me. I fail to ask Him for what I wish to see best for and in myself.
How tired and silly it could get when we try out things that were not meant for us. When we seek the opinion of others but the one who knows us best.
Your father gladly carries all the mistakes you have made. He smiles at you. He says to you, "Come home" and I'll make just the right hat for you that will fit you.

finally a place call home:)

I didn't know shifting house can be so tiring!
Physically & mentality draining.
But now that's i've settled with unpacking all my stuff and rearranging them, it almost feels like heaven with the air-con turned on:):)
It's a place I call home. Finally a place I can look forward to when I come back.
Love my room. It's spacious, comfortable, lovely and it overlooks the hill. The uncle who shifted my things said lots of monkeys come out in the morning haha..how exciting! haha
I now get to watch movie on a lcd tv, play the piano, go for a swim and read my book in the comfort of my room.
Thank god for Esther who bought me a packet of japanese teddy bear biscuit. She said I might go hungry when i'm shifting. How true. I was tired and hungry at the same during the journey there and it was really a life saver for my tummy. Yummy too. Even the uncle love it heh
Another good news my cousin told me today was that there's a new airplane called the Firefly that flies direct from Singapore to Ipoh! =D What a convenience to go back home now. No more of sitting in the bus for 8 hours. Plus is cheap. Jesus really loves me:)

loved for who you are

Harmony when she was a baby:)

I was teaching my K1 & K2 kids to dribble a ball when suddenly a girl came and hugged me on my legs. My legs because I was standing and she is shorter than me:)
"Miss Jacqueline I love you", said the little one.
"Love me? Are you sure?"...This were really the thoughts that went through my head when she said that. I would have believed it if it came from someone else. She was someone I lecture the most. Someone I have difficulty getting things done. When asked to do A, she'll tell me she wants to do B.
But when she said that, it just soften my heart. I became less 'harsh' to her:) I began to see her from a different perspective.
That's when I realised, how natural it is for me to have form preconceived ideas that she'll not like me for all the correction I've given her. Honestly, her misbehavior do irritates me but I have to correct her. By me constantly doing that, and thinking that she'll not like me for it, I set a wall between us and it stops me from believing I am still loved despite it and because of that I failed to love. But now that she tells me she loves me, a new love for her just grows on me simply because I know i'm loved.
That's when the Lord showed me this. Each time when we fail, we set a wall ourselves between us and our Father when we do not know how much we are loved even in the midst of our failings. We may know about it, but do we really believe He loves you for who you are.
You'll know when you have believed when your love for Him still grows on you at the very moment when you have miss the mark.

Our speech matters

Melody & Harmony dressed for the occasion:)

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may impart grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29

Just a thought I had about speech that I've been wanting to write this morning but was too busy packing my stuff. Just now while I was having dinner with my friend she mention to me again about Pastor Benjamin's sermon on speech.
So here was what I was thinking lately...When I look at my clothes, I realised I have people complimenting me for almost every single one of them. Not many for one, but at least one for each and one comment each week.
But what's interesting was, I still remember who they are though many and the location by which it was said for every single one of them even if it was a few years ago.
Try it out:) did you remember the compliments and where you receive them?
We probably would have forgotten the good told to our friends but they'll never forget.
That's when I start to ask myself. How generous have I been with my words. The best way to be remembered I believe is by speaking good into the person lives. The best way to sow in their lives is our words.
Just as we would wear something fitting for the occasion, let us be as careful in choosing our words as we would with our dressing. A lady who is well dressed for the occasion is evident to all and is beautiful to behold. Likewise, words that are spoken at the right time at the right place will impart grace to the hearer.
Nevertheless, i'm also still learning to do likewise;)

A day of babysitting H&M

I had the privilege of babysitting Harmony and Melody to Leeum's party today. Their mum called to tell me this afternoon they couldn't make it as she was unwell and I had to make my way there myself. I offered to take the kids there for her instead. Leeum would love to see nyny(Harmony). Thought it would be fun to experience bringing a toddler & a 3 years old by myself :)

I dared to say yes to this two because I know how independent they really are. Harmony is tuff. I saw her after she fell down from the couch today and steadily she picked herself up and climbed back up again. My colleague saw her eating grass in the last carnival and mum was cool about it. Haha. That's how cool their mum are:) And she's the least to be on mc:)

On our way to Leeum's party

Leeum's birthday present from mum & dad!

Leeum & me...you never see him still heh

The three's...my best mates

Happy Birthday!

A day of babysitting H&M

I had the privilege of babysitting Harmony and Melody to Leeum's party today. Their mum called to tell me this afternoon they couldn't make it as she was unwell and I had to make my way there myself. I offered to take the kids there for her instead. Leeum would love to see nyny(Harmony). Thought it would be fun to experience bringing a toddler & a 3 years old by myself :)

I dared to say yes to this two because I know how independent they really are. Harmony is tuff. I saw her after she fell down from the couch today and steadily she picked herself up and climbed back up again. My colleague saw her eating grass in the last carnival and mum was cool about it. Haha. That's how cool their mum are:) And she's the least to be on mc:)

On our way to Leeum's party

Leeum's birthday present from mum & dad!

Leeum & me...you never see him still heh

The three's...my best mates

Happy Birthday!

My joy:)

Zoe is back with me =) I used to take care of her when she was just a baby in Baby Haven where I use to 'teach'. Yesterday was her first day of school...a real darling:)

Yummie...ham & cheese bread My new frens...

I love rollers

Aren't I adorable:)

A blessed Sunday

I gave up two seats beside me today and two young girls came and sat next to me.
During service, the one beside me looks like she was shivering. I was very cold too but out of compassion I offered her my cardigan. Heh. Surprisingly, she accepted it:) She must be really cold.
More than that, I sense a very strong call in this girl.
That's when during announcement, I asked her if she's in any ministry and she said she's looking for one:) She's from east of Malaysia, Kuching, Sarawak and has only been here for 2 months. When she knew I was from Malaysia, she was all the more happier :)
As we were sharing about Sarawak, I asked her if she happened to know one of my friend's dad, a minister who passed away few years back in a helicopter. She not only knew him but is somewhat related!
As we were walking out of the audi, she told me more about herself. She used to serve in the worship and youth ministry back in Malaysia. Had wanted to serve and get to know the people in church and meeting me was like an answer to her prayer. There were other amazing things which I wish I could share.
I was telling my friend what a blessing it is for me to have met someone like her. Something about them that draw me to want to talk to them. Dunno how you explain that:)
May he always put me at the right place and right time ministering to the needs of His people.

Harmony & Melody on Old MacDonald's Farm

Check out the link below for the video of this girl :
Harmony & Melody on Old MacDonald's Farm
Everyone who sees her adores her.
I had a mum who came to pick up her K2 son last week, saw her, and asked if she could take her for a walk.
My admin staff who's been working here for 12 years commented to me the other day that she has never met a girl so cute, in character too, like her.
This video is a caption by her mum in one of those rare moments. She rarely talks or imitate words in class but you'll find her singing to herself when left alone:) I guess they do live up to their name.
The interesting thing about them is harmony is born tan, and the sis is the total opposite. Heh.

Adapt yourself to His Word

“I determined…to read through the Bible with a new purpose: to determine God’s message for me personally as a woman, a wife, and a mother….My life and goals and perspective were forever changed. In every single book of the Bible I found God’s word for me. That word was not always comforting; in fact, sometimes it was like a sword to my heart; but always I knew that it was authoritative and, if authoritative, true, regardless of culture, circumstances, or perceived relevance. I came to realize that God did not expect me to determine how to adapt His Word to my situation. Instead, He expected me to adapt myself to the consistently and clearly presented principles found in His Word. God did not expect me to interpret His principles in light of my gifts and intellect, but He admonished me “to be conformed to the likeness of His Son” (Romans 8:29), including gifts and intellect and creativity…He was making clear throughout Scripture His demand for my absolute obedience.” (Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, p. 365)

excerpt from girltalk

Teacher, synonym of grace

I simply love the things shared by Deacon Anthony for the Career Seminar. Truly a man with a wealth of wisdom. It was truly a new light for me to see him emphasizing so much on being a teacher in life to be successful. I guess in every area of work, there's always something new to learn. In my one half year of teaching children, I've never truly met a teacher who knows the children's books, songs, poems or their level of development so well on their finger tips. So far, maybe a handful and they are my lecturers. The one I love most is my current practicum module lecturer. She could even by heart the page number, the definition, the points...you just know they have it in them the moment you talk to them:) I would love to be in that position one day.
Thought I'll share with you a testimony my brother wrote to me two days back. He's a teacher in a rural area in Marudi Miri, Sarawak. By choice, he chosed to be posted there. But I've seen the faithfulness of how God has blessed him all these years. Amazingly, they were awarded before recently for being the best schools in the whole of Malaysia.
I have leave out the amount of his pay for obvious reasons:) but the amount is beyond what one can imagine, moreso from a teacher in Malaysia. You'll see the faithfulness of God to give you the time and supply when you seek His kingdom first.

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The form 6 teacher are promoted to a higher grade in Malaysia.  So about 14,000 teachers in Malaysia will benefit from it.  Because of the promotion and later when my appointment letter come which is back dated i will get about RM 700 increase.......Now i am getting in august RM xxxx back dated cheque....Ruth came on the seventh day after my promotion letter..... She speak of God redeeming me from my situation of nothing to my new post.  You know wat with this promotion as a academic teacher i now focus on my physic subject which i only got two classes, one upper six and one lower six.  My upper six i have only 4 students while lower six only 6 students.  Next year for half a year i will only teach 6 hours a week cause only teach the upper six while waiting for the lower six student in June 2010 so i only teach 6 hours per week and only 6 students...... amazing grace... and this also give me more time to prepare for the bible knowledge class where we have about 30 students and four teachers teaching this subject and the students will sitting for this paper for their SPM 2010...... bible knowledge consist of 2 book which is Luke and Acts.......as we continue to see more of Christ we see an explosion in our christian fellowship we began to see what the early church experience........ Ruth also means beloved and the more we know we are His beloved the more His goodness and mercy follow us all the days of our life.......

Stepping into the promised land of God's providence

"And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

Have you ever gone through a time of complete dependence on God for your material needs? Perhaps you lost a job and could not generate income on your own. Perhaps you got sick and could not work. There are circumstances in our lives that can put us in this place.

When God brought the people of Israel out of Egypt through the desolate desert, they had no ability to provide for themselves. God met their needs supernaturally each day by providing manna from Heaven. Each day they would awake to one day's portion of what they needed. This was a season in their lives to learn dependence and the faithfulness of God as provider. By and by, they entered the Promised Land. When they did, God's "supernatural provision" was no longer required. "The manna stopped the day after they ate this food from the land; there was no longer any manna for the Israelites, but that year they ate of the produce of Canaan" (Josh. 5:12). In both cases God was the provider of the need.



"You may say to yourself, 'My power and the strength of my hands have produced this wealth for me.' But remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your forefathers, as it is today" (Deuteronomy 8:17-18).

Acknowledge the Lord as the provider of every need you have today. He is a faithful provider.
by Os Hillman, TGIF Today God Is First          For most of us, we derive our necessities of life through our work. Like the birds of the fields we are commanded to go out and gather what God has already provided. It is a process of participation in what God has already provided. Sometimes it appears it is all up to us; sometimes it appears it is all up to God. In either case we must realize that the Lord is our provider; the job is only an instrument of His provision. He requires our involvement in either case.

New place...superexceed my expectations :):)

I was told last week by my landlord that he wanted to increase my rental and only allowed me to boil my soup once a week?? Deep in my heart, I some wat knew one day he would say that to me given that I have been 'underpaying' them all these years. Staying here for 3years plus has made me witness how much his son has grew too. Heh. From a cute primary boy to now a young secondary boy independent of his ways. He's been staying in his parents room all these years and maybe it's a good time for him to have his own room.

There were many thought that went through my mind in deciding whether to move or to stay. The friends whom i've just started to bond in cg and the attachment I have with this place makes it even harder. It's easier to just stay in my comfort zone cause to step out into the unknown requires more changes and adjustments to be made.
I message someone I had in mind to ask if she has a place in mind near town. In fact, she was the first person I asked. Her reply came in almost immediate stating that the mum may have more 'lubang'. Five mins later, she replied again she got me an apartment at bukit timah for the price I asked! How funny I thought it was that her mum was so capable of finding a house so fast!
Today I went to meet her mum to view the apartment. It was at the central of bukit timah. But the moment I step in, I knew it wasn't the place I wanted to stay. A little old and noisy. I told her I like quiet places and am used to such environment. She said that only this morning she remembered that she has another condo nearby that I may like if I like scenery and quiet places. By then, I have already given up hope. She took a cab down for me even though it's ten min walk away.
This one was wow:) It's beautiful plus it's at the highest storey. Next to bukit timah hill. My rooms beautiful and it overlooks the hill:) The swimming pool is so big like the ones you see in some hotel. Sauna. Jacuzzi. Tennis court. Squash court. Badminton court. Basketball court. Gym. Bbq pit.
Not only that. There's a piano in the house! Gosh it seem to follow me wherever I go. And it's pretty new. Maybe god really wants me to brush up my skill. The aunty bought it because she's learning at the age of 60plus??:) The bus stop is at the entrance of the condo. No more walking. Direct bus to work:)
On top of that, she treated me for dinner and shared the most amazing things. She was from New Creation before. She love to go for mission trips to visit orphans. Places likes india, china. Orphans??something that's been on my heart. And she's going to take up a part time bible study course in DTC. DTC sounds familiar...it was the bible school I happened to step into when I visited my ex-baby,Zoe whose transferring over to my class next week:)
When I heard that I'll be staying with three Indonesian girls, the first thought that came was...more opportunity to reach out. Heh.
Now I get to stay in a place I love and do the thing I love most. Swimming, boil my soup, and play the piano. I even get to go jogging at Bukit Timah hill. Running on treadmill has never been my cup of tea. Maybe it will be one day. My closest friends stay within the vicinity too.
God's been really good. I now get to stay in one of the best location for the price of a average hdb flat. I did tell God, taking this up would means I will not be able to bless as much given that I pay more here. But this place will be a blessing for those who wants to use the facilities like the bbq pit or function room ya?:) I know the Lord will stretch my money and I'll still be able to do and buy the things I love.
He'll be faithful to provide for all my needs and I'll live to see greater days ahead!
Oh ya, as I was heading home in train, with my eyes closed and my head rested on my hand, someone patted me on my head. It was Esther my dear friend from cg! She happened to be standing just directly in front of me! How coincidental. She made a scan thru me first before saying hi to make sure if it was really me until she saw my crystal fish necklace. My trademark haha~How the Lord really brings a smile to my face even when I was heading home:)